In less than one week after President Joseph Nyuma Boakai signed Executive Order (EO) Number 136, establishing a National Road Authority (NRA), the United States of America released a statement, commending the step taken by the Liberian Leader.
“The United States welcomes President Boakai’s renewed commitment to the development and enhancement of Liberia’s rail infrastructure”, the United States stated via its Embassy near Monrovia.
The U.S believes the Executive Order No. 136 signed by the President on October 10, which establishes the National Railway Authority (NRA) to oversee and manage Liberia’s National Rail Assets, is essential in ensuring the efficient and equitable use of rail infrastructure by all stakeholders, particularly in the mining sector and for the transportation of passengers and goods.
The United States argues that such step by the Liberian President will bring about fair and well-regulated access to rail infrastructure which is crucial for Liberia’s economic growth.
Recently, President Joseph Boakai via an Executive Mansion press release announced the establishment of the National Railway Authority (NRA) through an Executive Order (EO) Number 136.
The EO extends the provisions of Executive Order No. 112, reaffirming the Government of Liberia’s commitment to the development and enhancement of the country’s rail infrastructure.
According to the release the Executive Order, which takes immediate effect, establishes the National Railway Authority (NRA) to oversee and manage Liberia’s National Rail Assets, ensuring the efficient and equitable use of rail infrastructure by all stakeholders, particularly in the mining sector and for the transportation of passengers and goods.
The Executive Mansion indicates the Executive Order No. 112, originally issued on October 17, 2022, has expired without the passage of the National Rail Authority Act by the National Legislature.
In response, the President sees his action as a swift one in extending the Executive Order, enabling the establishment of the NRA to regulate and manage Liberia’s rail infrastructure in accordance with international best practices. Key Provisions of Executive Order No. 136 look at the function of NRA, tasked with developing policies and governance rules for managing the country’s rail assets, including both above-rail and below-rail infrastructure.
For the appointment of rail regulators, it is highlighted that they will procure the services of qualified rail regulators to oversee the use, operation, and development of the rail infrastructure, ensuring safe, efficient, and equitable access for eligible users.
As per the EO, NRA will be staffed with key officials, including a Managing Director, Deputy Managing Director for Administration, and Deputy Managing Director for Operations, who will be appointed by the President of Liberia.
The release also Indicates that the operations of the NRA will be funded by fees levied on users of Liberia’s National Railway Assets.
The order mandates that NRA will be responsible for drafting a National Rail Authority Act, which will be submitted to the National Legislature for passage into law.
President Joseph Boakai in his Executive Order noted that any disputes arising from the implementation of this Executive Order will be resolved through arbitration under the rules of the Liberian Chamber of Commerce and in accordance with Liberian law.
President Boakai reiterated the Government’s commitment to the core principles of fair and well-regulated access to rail infrastructure, promoting development while respecting existing agreements with eligible users.
He pointed out that this extension aligns with the Government’s broader goal of enhancing national rail assets for both economic growth and public benefit.
This Executive Order underscores the Government’s dedication to fostering a robust rail infrastructure that supports Liberia’s growing mining sector, enhances the transportation of goods and passengers, and strengthens the national economy.
