CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA – The Liberian Senate on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, withdrew a recently passed and widely publicized Seaport Decentralization Bill from the Office of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai after it had been submitted for signature, citing the need for further consultations and revisions.
The withdrawal affects two legislative instruments: the Act amending Chapter VI of the Public Authorities Law creating the National Port Authority and the Seaport Decentralization and Modernization Bill. In a formal communication to President Boakai, the Senate emphasized that the decision followed a careful consultative process among lawmakers to incorporate additional views and strengthen the proposed port decentralization framework.
According to the Senate statement, the legislative body had initially worked on the bill following a presidential veto and at the request of the Executive. However, after deliberations among senators, it was resolved that further review was necessary to ensure that the instruments reflect both national interests and operational efficiency for Liberia’s ports.
“The Senate recognizes the importance of the port sector for our national development. As such, it is imperative that any legislative measure to decentralize and modernize ports be thoroughly vetted and robust in design,” the Senate statement said.
The legislative body indicated that the revised bills are expected to be returned to President Boakai within two weeks after incorporating the additional inputs and recommendations. The President acknowledged the Senate’s request and complied by returning the instruments as requested.
The decision has reignited discussions about legislative efficiency and the pace of lawmaking in Liberia. Critics have pointed out that repeated revisions may signal delays in addressing crucial infrastructure reforms.
Following the withdrawal, political commentator Henry P. Costa shared his reaction on social media, highlighting the perceived delay: “Nyonblee has withdrawn her so-called Port Autonomy Bill from the President, claiming they need to make changes to it and then resubmit it in ‘two weeks’. Two weeks?! I thought she told the President that they had already made changes to it? How many times will they revise/correct/fix this one bill? This one that real play-play lawmaking oo,” Costa wrote on his official Facebook page.
Despite the criticism, the Senate maintained that the recall is meant to strengthen the legislative framework and ensure a more effective implementation strategy. Lawmakers stressed the importance of balancing speed with thoroughness to avoid future administrative or operational challenges.
