Lofa County Senator Momo Tarnuekollie Cyrus is calling for urgent reforms to Liberia’s patent laws, arguing that the current legal framework unfairly restricts local entrepreneurs from participating in key business sectors.
In a formal communication to Senate President Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, Senator Cyrus condemned the exclusive rights granted to select foreign companies, which he says have created monopolies over essential commodities such as Clorox, detergents, soap, onions, and salt.
These restrictions, he argued, have limited competition, inflated prices, and hindered economic opportunities for Liberians.
“These laws were enacted when local entrepreneurs had limited access to industries, but today they serve as artificial barriers that stifle competition and limit consumer choices,” he stated.
Senator Cyrus urged the Senate to review and amend existing patent laws to foster a more inclusive economic environment.
He argued that allowing Liberian businesses to manufacture and import these essential goods would stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers.
Speaking to journalists at the Capitol Building, the senator expressed frustration over the economic constraints of outdated legal provisions. He vowed to rally support for legislative reforms that would level the playing field for Liberian businesses.
“It is alarming that our own laws give foreign companies exclusive rights to basic commodities that Liberians can import or produce themselves,” he said. “This suppresses local enterprise and must be addressed.”
