Liberia Moves to Reclaim Control of Railways

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ADNews-monrovia,Liberia: Liberia is moving to establish a National Rail Authority as part of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s broader push to reform the country’s infrastructure sector and accelerate economic growth, officials say.

The initiative, reaffirmed in October 2025 through Executive Order No. 153, is aligned with Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development that targets an average annual gross domestic product growth rate of 5.9% over the next five years. The administration argues that reaching that goal will depend heavily on modern, efficient and transparent management of key infrastructure, particularly rail.
For decades, Liberia’s railways have largely served the mining sector under private concession agreements. The proposed National Rail Authority would introduce independent oversight of rail operations, mandate open access for multiple users and standardize safety and maintenance requirements.
Opening Access to Strategic Corridors
At the center of the reform effort is the Yekepa-Buchanan railway corridor, which links iron ore deposits in northern Liberia to the Atlantic coast. The line runs from the mining town of Yekepa in Nimba County to the Port of Buchanan, one of the country’s main export terminals.
Government officials say placing the corridor under an independent regulator would strengthen a multi-user framework, allowing mining, agriculture, forestry and freight companies to share access to the rail network under transparent rules.
The railway is also expected to benefit from upgrades tied to Ivanhoe Atlantic’s proposed Liberty Corridor project, which aims to expand cross-border mineral exports. Authorities say coordinated oversight could help position the line as a regional transport hub for critical minerals and other commodities.
Safety and Infrastructure Concerns
The push for reform follows concerns over safety and maintenance standards under previous private management. There have been reports of collisions, infrastructure deterioration and weakened track components along the Yekepa-Buchanan line.
Under the new structure, the National Rail Authority would set uniform health and safety standards, require routine inspections and enforce emergency preparedness protocols. Officials say independent monitoring would reduce the risk of accidents while ensuring consistent track maintenance and clear operational guidelines.
The administration also expects that a regulated multi-user system could attract new investors to finance long-term rehabilitation of Liberia’s rail infrastructure.
Promoting Competition and Accountability
Supporters of the plan say the authority would curb monopolistic control of essential infrastructure by prohibiting exclusive access agreements and anti-competitive pricing practices.
By mandating open access and transparent fee structures, the government hopes to encourage competition and prevent rail operations from serving only a single concessionaire’s commercial interests. The authority would also be empowered to set performance benchmarks, review financial disclosures and impose sanctions for noncompliance.
Analysts say stronger oversight could improve corporate accountability, particularly in areas such as environmental protection, labor standards and community relations.
A Broader Economic Strategy
Liberia’s economy remains heavily dependent on extractive industries, making efficient transport corridors vital for export growth. The administration argues that restructuring rail governance is essential to unlocking broader industrial expansion and regional trade integration.
While details of the transition timeline have yet to be fully outlined, officials say accelerating the establishment of the National Rail Authority is critical to ensuring that Liberia’s rail assets are managed transparently, safely and in the long-term national interest.
If implemented effectively, the reform could mark a significant shift in how infrastructure is governed in West Africa, and signal a broader effort to balance private investment with public oversight in pursuit of sustainable economic growth.