The National Port Authority (NPA) of Liberia is urging the government to prioritize financing for port infrastructure development across the country. According to Managing Director Sekou A. M. Dukuly, modernizing the ports of Greenville, Harper, Buchanan, and the Freeport of Monrovia is crucial for achieving greater operational independence and attracting international investment.

Speaking at a media engagement in Monrovia, Dukuly emphasized the need for data-driven investments to boost Liberia’s trade competitiveness and economic growth. He noted that assessing traffic flow and business potential is essential before investing hundreds of millions of dollars in any port. For instance, investments in Greenville will be more viable once the Putu Mountain iron ore project and other commercial timber operations become fully active.

The NPA is set to unveil a five-year master plan that outlines a strategic roadmap for developing all four major ports. The plan will include proposals for public-private partnerships and targeted capital investments aligned with the government’s economic transformation agenda. Discussions are ongoing with potential investors, particularly in Buchanan, where the port’s large land area presents opportunities for industrial expansion and the creation of a special economic zone for manufacturing and exports.

Dukuly highlighted progress at the Freeport of Monrovia, which has experienced a 10-12% annual growth in container traffic. He projected a 15% growth rate next year, driven by upcoming port infrastructure projects and renewed investor interest. The NPA is also revising outdated lease agreements to ensure fairness and accountability, with some businesses having paid as little as $7,500 annually for warehouses valued at over $150,000.

The NPA is engaging with the Legislature and other state-owned enterprises to ensure financial accountability, proper debt settlement, and operational efficiency. Dukuly reaffirmed his commitment to positioning Liberia’s ports as key drivers of economic growth, noting that restoring the Freeport of Monrovia’s status as a regional transshipment hub would significantly enhance national revenue and foreign exchange earnings. With the right investments and data-driven decisions, Liberia’s ports can become engines for national development, driving economic growth and trade competitiveness.