Capitol Hill, Monrovia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has vetoed two key decentralization bills aimed at restructuring the management and operations of Liberia’s seaports, citing concerns over ambiguous provisions and an overly large governance board structure.
In a formal communication to Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, President Boakai outlined several issues with the legislation. Key among them were unclear language that could lead to future misinterpretations and what he deemed an “excessive composition” of a proposed nine-member board for each port.
“Madam President Pro-Tempore, as you are aware, Article 35 of the Constitution of Liberia grants the President the authority to approve or disapprove a bill that is laid before the President,” President Boakai stated in his letter.
Invoking that constitutional provision, the President returned the bills to the National Legislature, urging lawmakers to address the shortcomings.
“…Kindly take another look to correct all the necessary loopholes in the interest of the country and its people,” he urged.
The official veto message, found on page seven of the seven-page document, is signed by President Boakai and bears the presidential seal.
The Seaport Decentralization and Modernization Bill, introduced by Senator Karnga-Lawrence, seeks to create autonomous governance structures for Liberia’s sea and inland ports. Both chambers of the 55th Legislature passed the legislation on June 24, 2025, and forwarded it for presidential assent.
However, prior to the President’s decision, development specialist Ambulah Mamey had advised against immediate approval. Days after its approval by the house of legislature, Mamey called for a more expert-driven review process, cautioning that hasty enactment without adequate technical scrutiny could undermine the law’s effectiveness.
President Boakai’s veto reflects a cautious, deliberative approach to legislation with far-reaching national implications. It also signals his administration’s commitment to ensuring clarity, efficiency, and sound governance in public policy.
