Sethi Brothers Incorporated, a prominent steel producer operating in Liberia, has vehemently refuted allegations leveled against it by the President of the Patriotic Entrepreneurs of Liberia (PATEL), Mr. Dominic Nimely. Mr. Nimely accused Sethi Brothers of manufacturing and distributing substandard steel and chairs while charging exorbitant prices in the Liberian market. The company, in a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, May 22, 2025, categorically denied these claims, characterizing them as false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish its reputation. Sethi Brothers asserts that these accusations are part of a calculated smear campaign orchestrated by individuals, potentially influenced by competitors, seeking to undermine the company’s success and standing in the Liberian market.
The company underscored its commitment to quality and durability in its manufacturing processes, particularly for steel rods and plastic goods produced within Liberia. Sethi Brothers affirmed that its operations adhere to both local and international standards and possess the requisite certifications from the Liberian government for raw material production. Furthermore, the company highlighted the competitive pricing of its products in the Liberian market, emphasizing that these same products are exported to various African countries, a testament to their quality and market acceptance. This export success, according to Sethi Brothers, reflects the trust and demand for its products across the continent, further discrediting Mr. Nimely’s allegations of subpar quality.
Sethi Brothers emphasized its contributions to the Liberian economy, citing significant investments in job creation and support for government development initiatives. The company expressed its concern about the dissemination of false information, which it believes not only damages its business but also creates a hostile environment for potential investors in Liberia. The company appealed to Liberian media outlets to exercise caution and avoid becoming conduits for individuals with personal or business agendas seeking to discredit companies contributing to national growth and reducing unemployment.
The company frames Mr. Nimely’s accusations as not just an attack on its reputation but also a detriment to the broader economic development of Liberia. By spreading such negative narratives, Sethi Brothers argues, the accusers discourage potential investors and hinder the growth of local businesses. The company called for a responsible and fact-based discourse, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting to avoid damaging the investment climate and hindering economic progress.
Sethi Brothers has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Mr. Nimely, demanding a retraction of his statement. The company maintains that Mr. Nimely’s claims are a gross misrepresentation of facts and threaten to pursue legal action if he fails to comply with the retraction demand. This firm stance underscores the company’s commitment to defending its reputation and upholding the integrity of its operations against what it perceives as unfounded and malicious allegations. The company’s ultimatum signals its readiness to pursue legal avenues to protect its business interests and counter the negative narrative propagated by Mr. Nimely.
The unfolding situation between Sethi Brothers and Mr. Nimely highlights the challenges faced by businesses operating in developing economies, where accusations of substandard products and unfair pricing can significantly impact market perception and investor confidence. The company’s strong response and its threat of legal action reflect its determination to protect its brand image and its investments in the Liberian market. The outcome of this dispute will likely have implications for the broader business environment in Liberia and could serve as a test case for the protection of corporate reputations against potentially damaging allegations. The incident also raises questions about the role of industry associations like PATEL and the responsibility they bear in ensuring accurate and fair representation of market conditions.
