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ADNews-Monrovia,Liberia: The National Legislature has informed the Executive Branch, through the Office of the President, of its decision to withdraw the contentious Port Autonomy Bill for further review and correction.
The Joint Communication was read on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, during the Senate session.
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The joint communication, signed by J. Nanborlor F. Singbeh, Secretary of the Liberian Senate, and the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, stated that by directive of the full Legislature, two bills were resubmitted on January 2, 2026: “AN ACT AMENDING CHAPTER VI OF THE PUBLIC AUTHORITIES LAW CREATING THE NATIONAL PORT AUTHORITY AND TO ESTABLISH THE LIBERIA SEA AND INLAND PORTS DECENTRALIZATION AND MODERNIZATION ACT 2025” and “LIBERIA SEA AND INLAND PORTS REGULATORY ACT OF 2025.” These were sent to the Office of the President after reconsidering the President’s request to amend sections that conflicted with other laws.
According to the Legislature, these bills originated from the Senate’s reform agenda, in partnership with the House of Representatives, to support the decentralization of economic activities in the country.
However, the communication noted that, due to the significant impact these bills would have on underdeveloped counties and the national economy, many stakeholders—including business communities and port management experts—expressed concerns.
The communication further indicated that stakeholders had provided the Legislature, both formally and informally, with input to improve the transitional and execution plans, aiming to make the ports more viable and beneficial once autonomous status is granted.
“Your Excellency, after several consultative meetings, the Legislature has decided to withdraw both bills mentioned above from the Office of the President to incorporate additional views that will further strengthen the bills. The Legislature plans to resubmit them in two weeks after final passage. The Legislature thanks the Office of the President for its cooperation and looks forward to the finalization of this important decision for the nation’s growth and development as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, President Joseph N. Boakai, in response to the joint communication, addressed Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Kangar-Lawrence in a letter dated January 21, 2026, acknowledging receipt of the Legislature’s request.
“I hereby acknowledge receipt of a letter dated January 20, 2026, informing us of the Legislature’s decision to withdraw the following bills: An Act Amending Chapter VI of the Public Authorities Law, Creating the National Port Authority, and Establishing the Liberia Sea and Inland Ports Decentralization and Modernization Act 2025 and the Liberia Sea and Inland Ports Regulatory Act of 2025,” he stated.
Consequently, the President said that, in line with the request, his office hereby returns the said bills to the Legislature for the requested adjustments.
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