The Local Transporter Association in Southeast Liberia, including key players such as Benkadi Transport, AM Jallah 21 Transport, and Faso Global Logistics, has raised serious concerns over what they describe as an “increasing pattern of exclusion” from major logistics operations tied to Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL).
In a formal communication addressed to prominent human rights advocates and legal practitioners, the association highlighted that since the 2022 agricultural season, local transporters have been gradually sidelined in favor of international shipping giant Maersk Line.
According to the letter signed by Mr. Fofi Fofana on behalf of the association, the trend began when GVL opted to contract Maersk Line to handle the transportation and cargo management of fertilizer supplies destined for its plantations, a task previously managed by local contractors.
“Despite being protected under the Liberianization Policy, we continue to be sidelined… GVL insists on preferring Maersk Line, a company with no proven track record in inland transportation or stevedoring in Liberia,” the letter stated.
The association warned that allowing Maersk Line, which is primarily a maritime shipping company, to dominate land-based cargo handling would erode opportunities for indigenous businesses and significantly increase operational costs due to subcontracting and surcharges.
Key Concerns Raised:
Violation of Public Procurement Procedures:
The association opposes the alleged single-sourcing approach adopted by GVL, which they argue contravenes guidelines set by the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC).
Questionable Role of Maersk Line:
The transporters question Maersk’s legal status and capability in local freight and stevedoring operations, calling for proof of its license or bill of sale to perform such roles in Liberia.
Lack of Transparency and Open Bidding:
The letter criticizes what it describes as “back-door deals” and urges GVL to adopt open bidding processes that include local firms.
Marginalization of Local Businesses:
The association fears that continued exclusion will severely cripple homegrown transport businesses, undermining efforts to promote Liberian participation in the economy.
The group is calling on all relevant stakeholders, including the Liberia Trucker Union (LTU), Liberia Business Association (LIBA), and the Federation of Road Transport Union of Liberia (FRTUL), to intervene.
They are also appealing for the urgent attention of legal and rights-based institutions to ensure fairness, economic justice, and respect for the Liberianization Policy, which reserves certain sectors of the economy exclusively for Liberian-owned businesses.
A Call for Fair Play
The Local Transporter Association is demanding that GVL reviews its current engagement policy with international firms and instead supports the development and integration of local companies in its logistics chain.
“We are not against global players,” said Mr. Fofana, “but we must protect and promote indigenous enterprises. Maersk should not be allowed to act as both shipper and inland transporter; it violates both logic and the law.”
Efforts to get a response from GVL and Maersk Line on these allegations were still ongoing at the time of publication.
