By Archie Boan
The National Port Authority (NPA) has unveiled sweeping financial reforms aimed at transforming Liberia’s ports into self-reliant, modern, and competitive trade hubs.
Under its new Five-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2030), the NPA is prioritizing fiscal discipline, revenue diversification, and investment realignment to ensure sustainable growth and long-term financial independence.
Currently, more than 40 percent of the Authority’s revenue comes from a single major concession a situation Managing Director Hon. Sekou A.M. Dukuly says poses significant financial risk and constrains development.In response, the NPA has outlined three key actions to strengthen financial management and drive expansion across the port system.
The Authority plans to save 15 to 20 percent of its annual revenue to fund critical infrastructure projects, including terminal upgrades, cargo-handling equipment, and rehabilitation of facilities in Monrovia, Buchanan, Greenville, and Harper.
“This approach ensures that every dollar earned by the NPA contributes directly to building better ports,” Dukuly said, emphasizing that the move will reduce reliance on external borrowing and reinforce a culture of fiscal prudence.
As part of its drive to accelerate growth, the NPA is opening new avenues for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). These collaborations will allow private investors to participate in projects such as port automation, warehousing, and terminal expansion key sectors expected to boost efficiency and job creation.
According to the Authority, the PPP model will also strengthen NPA’s commercial competitiveness within the West African maritime market, where efficiency and innovation are crucial for success.
In addition to domestic efforts, the NPA is deepening cooperation with international financial institutions, including the World Bank and African Development Bank, to attract investment and technical expertise. These engagements aim to enhance port digitization, improve safety standards, and train Liberian port professionals to meet global operational standards.
Managing Director Dukuly reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to sound financial stewardship and reform-driven progress.
“We are building a system that funds its own expansion,” he said. “By saving, partnering, and managing wisely, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more transparent, and self-reliant NPA.”
The financial management strategy represents a cornerstone of the Authority’s broader “RESET” agenda, which focuses on Reforming governance, Enhancing operations, strengthening finances, Establishing inland container facilities, and Transforming service delivery.
With these reforms, the National Port Authority is positioning Liberia’s ports not only as gateways for trade but also as engines of economic transformation, regional competitiveness, and national prosperity.
