MONROVIA – The National Port Authority (NPA) has officially launched its Five-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2030), unveiling an ambitious USD 550 million blueprint aimed at modernizing Liberia’s ports, enhancing trade facilitation, and driving national economic growth. The launch ceremony, held on Monday at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, brought together senior government officials, lawmakers, development partners, port users, private-sector representatives, and media personnel.
In his keynote address, NPA Managing Director Hon. Sekou A. M. Dukuly emphasized that the strategic plan represents a defining moment for Liberia’s maritime sector. “Today, we stand at a defining moment in our history, where the promise of progress is not a distant dream but a tangible reality within our reach,” he said, highlighting the plan’s significance for national development.
Dukuly described the initiative as a transformational effort to reposition Liberia’s ports from mere revenue collection points into engines of trade, economic growth, and job creation. “Our ports will be recognized as hubs for trade facilitation, anchors of economic growth, drivers of job creation, and pillars of national development,” he declared.
The plan is anchored on five strategic pillars, collectively referred to as RESET. It outlines a roadmap for reforming governance, enhancing operational efficiency, diversifying revenue streams, developing inland container terminals, and modernizing port infrastructure across Liberia.
Under the first pillar, R for Reform Governance and Empower Regional Ports, the NPA will overhaul a governance framework that has remained largely unchanged since the 1970s. Dukuly emphasized that each port, including Monrovia, Buchanan, Greenville, and Harper, will operate efficiently under a unified port system aligned with modern best practices.
The second pillar, E for Enhance Operational Efficiency, focuses on removing bottlenecks through automation, digitization, and workforce development. Dukuly explained that these measures would streamline port procedures, reduce delays, and improve transparency in all operations.
The third pillar, S for Strengthen Financial Management and Diversify Revenue, addresses the NPA’s overreliance on a single revenue source. “Over 40 percent of our revenue currently comes from one major concession. This is not sustainable,” Dukuly said, noting that new revenue streams and financial reforms would ensure fiscal resilience.
The fourth pillar, E for Establish an Inland Container Terminal, seeks to relieve congestion at the Freeport of Monrovia, which faces chronic operational bottlenecks. Dukuly said inland terminals would expand access to neighboring regions, including Guinea, eastern Sierra Leone, and western Côte d’Ivoire, positioning Liberia as a regional logistics hub.
The fifth pillar, T for Transform and Modernize Port Infrastructure, addresses decades of underinvestment in Liberia’s ports. Dukuly announced the creation of a Port Infrastructure Investment Fund, which will allocate 15 to 20 percent of annual revenue to finance development projects and attract support from government, multilateral institutions, and private investors.
He emphasized that the plan is more than an institutional policy; it is a national commitment to reform, efficiency, and inclusive growth. The NPA’s mission is to manage Liberia’s ports with efficiency, transparency, and commercial excellence while delivering services that stimulate trade and economic development.
Dukuly highlighted the importance of inclusive collaboration in implementing the plan. He reaffirmed that the NPA would work closely with public, private, and international stakeholders to ensure the success of the RESET agenda. “Together, we launch not just a plan, but a vision; a vision to build a stronger, smarter, and more competitive port system,” he said.
He also noted that the plan aligns with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, reinforcing national priorities in trade, infrastructure, and economic growth. Dukuly praised Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan for providing leadership and ensuring coordination and accountability across Liberia’s economic sector.
The Managing Director acknowledged the contributions of researchers, consultants, and stakeholders involved in the plan’s design, consultation, and validation. He highlighted the role of Pure Brilliance Advisers Consultancy for their technical expertise and support in developing a comprehensive strategy.
Dukuly stressed that the plan will transition Liberia’s ports from maintenance to modernization, from dependency to diversification, and from isolation to a unified and competitive port system. This approach, he said, will enhance operational efficiency, financial sustainability, and public confidence in the NPA.
He further underscored the broader economic impact of the plan, highlighting that improved port operations would stimulate trade, create jobs, and drive national growth. With the Freeport of Monrovia generating roughly 40 percent of NPA revenue, its modernization remains central to the Authority’s objectives.
The launch ceremony was attended by Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning; Rev. J. Luther Tarpeh, Chairman of the NPA Board; other government ministers; members of the Legislature; port users; development partners; private-sector representatives; and the media. Their presence reflected the national importance of the NPA’s strategic plan and Liberia’s commitment to advancing its maritime and trade infrastructure.
Dukuly concluded by reiterating the NPA’s dedication to trade facilitation and national development. “We launch this Plan to facilitate trade and commerce, to drive national growth, and to position Liberia for prosperity and sustainable development,” he said.
