Srimex Oil and Gas, a company owned by Hon. Musa Hassan Bility, Chair of the self-styled Rule of Law Caucus and District #7 Representative for Nimba County, is at the center of a growing controversy over unpaid debts to Liberia’s National Road Fund. According to John H. Tokpah, Chief Administrative Officer of the National Road Fund (NRF), Srimex owes a substantial amount of $3,762,803, contributing to a mounting total of more than $15 million in arrears from various fuel importers.
The debt is tied to fuel importers’ contributions to the National Road Fund, which finances Liberia’s road maintenance and infrastructure projects. During a hearing before the House of Representatives, Tokpah joined officials from the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Public Works to address the nonpayment issue. Representative James Kolleh of Bong County initiated the session, drawing attention to the arrears owed by Srimex and other fuel importers.
While some importers, including Conex and Aminata & Sons, have begun settling their debts, Srimex, along with several other companies like LPRC, Petro Trade, Kailondo, and NEXIUM Petroleum Limited, is contesting the amount calculated by the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA). This has further complicated the financial situation, delaying critical infrastructure projects that rely on the Road Fund.
The total outstanding amount owed by these companies has reached a staggering $15,287,101.24. With a major portion of this debt linked to Srimex, questions about Bility’s role in the ongoing dispute are now being raised. Critics argue that the situation calls into question the transparency of business dealings involving public officials and their companies.
In response to the ongoing concerns, the House of Representatives has decided to reconvene next Tuesday with the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Public Works, NRF, and the importers in attendance to provide further clarity. Lawmakers are urging a thorough review of the dispute and a firmer approach to ensure compliance with the NRF regulations.
