BUCHANAN, GRAND BASSA COUNTY – The National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) and Nigeria-based Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL) have signed a Joint Development Agreement to establish a major oil and gas logistics facility in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
The agreement, announced October 4, 2026, is intended to strengthen Liberia’s capacity to provide essential services to international oil companies while creating employment and business opportunities for Liberians.
Under the partnership, LADOL will serve as NOCAL’s technical partner, supporting the feasibility study, engineering design, construction, and eventual operation of the proposed shorebase.
According to NOCAL, the feasibility study is expected to begin within 45 days and last approximately six months, examining land requirements, marine access, infrastructure, commercial viability, and environmental considerations.
NOCAL President and CEO Fabian M. Lai said the project is intended to address a major weakness exposed during Liberia’s previous drilling campaign, when several oilfield services, including logistics, waste management, and technical support, were sourced from neighboring countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Senegal.
He said the partnership seeks to ensure that more jobs, contracts, training, and petroleum-related services remain within Liberia.
“Liberians’ jobs are finally coming home,” Lai declared.
LADOL Executive Chairman Sir Oladipo Ladi Jadesimi described the agreement as a demonstration of confidence in Liberia’s oil and gas potential, pledging to bring the company’s experience in offshore logistics development to support the country’s petroleum industry.
The agreement also provides for a Joint Steering Committee to oversee progress and the conclusion of definitive project agreements.
However, as the project moves forward, questions remain about its investment structure, ownership arrangements, expected economic returns, and specific employment opportunities for Liberians.
The public will also expect clear commitments to local content, ensuring that Liberian businesses and workers are not merely spectators in the development of the country’s petroleum sector.
While the proposed Buchanan Shorebase could become an important addition to Liberia’s oil and gas infrastructure, its real success will ultimately be measured by the jobs created, businesses empowered, and economic benefits delivered to the Liberian people.
