The Supreme Court of Liberia delivered a landmark ruling on February 17, 2025, affirming the Modern Development and Management Corporation (MDMC) as the exclusive body responsible for issuing vehicle documents and driver’s licenses. The Court’s decision ended a prolonged legal battle and confirmed MDMC’s continued partnership with the Ministry of Transport under a nine-year contract established in 2016.
Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbissay, who presided over the case, unequivocally ruled that MDMC, operating under the Ministry of Transport’s mandate, has the sole legal authority to manage the production and issuance of vehicle-related documentation. The ruling effectively invalidates the Ministry of Justice’s attempts to intervene in the process. It asserts the Ministry of Transport’s exclusive role in overseeing transportation documentation as stipulated in the 1987 law that established it.
The legal dispute arose when the Ministry of Justice sought to take a more active role in Liberia Traffic Management (LTM) operations, claiming concerns over the security and legitimacy of transportation documents. However, the Supreme Court rejected these claims, emphasizing that the Ministry of Justice’s intervention was not supported by Liberian law. According to Justice Gbissay, the 1987 law explicitly grants the Ministry of Transport the responsibility to manage transportation matters, including the issuance of vehicle documents, which MDMC has been tasked with under its contract.
The decision also included a sweeping stay order on any activities by the Liberia Traffic Management (LTM) that exceed the Ministry of Transport’s legal jurisdiction. This move ensures that any operations under the Ministry of Justice’s direction, which the Court deemed illegal, will cease. Furthermore, MDMC and the Ministry of Transport were instructed to continue issuing vehicle documents and drivers’ licenses without interruption, cementing MDMC’s role as the sole authorized entity.
This ruling comes as a major relief for both the Ministry of Transport and MDMC, who have faced uncertainty over the control of Liberia’s transportation sector. The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to bring stability to the sector, which has long struggled with inefficiencies in issuing key public documents. For Liberians, the ruling guarantees that vehicle documentation will continue to be managed securely and legally, free from undue interference.
The Ministry of Transport expressed satisfaction with the ruling, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring a smooth transportation system. “We are pleased with the ruling of the Supreme Court, which upholds the legal framework established for the Ministry of Transport,” said the Minister of Transport. “This decision not only secures our partnership with MDMC but also reaffirms the public’s trust in our ability to provide essential services that keep Liberia’s transportation system running smoothly.”
MDMC also welcomed the decision, underscoring its dedication to providing legitimate and secure transportation documentation. “This ruling strengthens our position as the authorized entity, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Ministry of Transport,” said MDMC CEO.
The Ministry of Justice, which has yet to issue an official response, faces a significant setback in its bid to take control of Liberia’s transportation documentation system.
