Rising Tensions Between NPA Director and Senate Over Port Autonomy Bill

Rising Tensions Between NPA Director and Senate Over Port Autonomy Bill.

Tensions are rising between the Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA), Sekou A.M. Dukuly, and Senate President Pro-Tempore, Nyonblee Kangar Lawrence, over the passage of a controversial bill. The legislation aims to grant autonomy to smaller ports in Liberia, much to the displeasure of Director Dukuly, who views it as a direct challenge to the authority of the NPA, which he currently heads.

On November 19, 2024, the Liberian Senate passed a bill that seeks to establish the Liberia Sea Port Regulatory Authority and the Liberia Sea Port Decentralization. This bill would grant autonomy to ports across the country, including the Freeport of Monrovia, the Port of Buchanan, Port of Greenville, and the Port of Harper. The legislation is part of a larger government decentralization strategy, and it aims to promote the sustainable development and regulation of seaport and inland port operations throughout Liberia.

However, Director Dukuly has expressed strong opposition to the bill. In an interview with The NEWDAWN, Dukuly criticized the arguments put forward by the Senate, labeling them as flawed and driven by selfish interests. He argued that it is premature for the Senate to undermine the NPA, especially given the current state of Liberia’s ports, which lack the necessary infrastructure and best practices to operate autonomously.

“I have communicated with many senators privately, expressing my disagreement,” Dukuly said. “They told me they had no choice but to support the bill because they didn’t want to oppose the Pro-Temp. Is that how national decisions should be made? Just to avoid disagreement? I won’t disrespect anyone, but the arguments for this bill are flawed.”

While Dukuly is not opposed to the idea of outstation ports becoming autonomous, he emphasized that they need the proper infrastructure and facilities to be sustainable before such a transition can take place. He expressed frustration with the situation, admitting that he was taken aback by the Senate’s decision.

Dukuly further suggested that he would be engaging with the Executive and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to discuss the bill, expressing concern that it is more about political maneuvering than creating real job opportunities or benefiting the country. He plans to address the President on the matter, trusting that the final decision will be made in the country’s best interest.

“There are even some legislators who don’t seem to realize that there is a Port Director here in Monrovia,” Dukuly remarked. “At the end of the day, they made what they thought was the best decision for the country, but do I agree with it? No. Our goal now is to educate the Executive and ensure the President understands the full scope of the NPA’s role. We’ll also engage the Speaker of the House to clarify that this issue is not about creating opportunities, but rather about political agendas.”