Serious questions are being raised about the governance practices of the National Benefit Sharing Trust (NBST) Board, following its decision to terminate the services of Mr. Roberto T. Kollie, despite an independent investigation clearing him of all allegations of financial misconduct.
Mr. Kollie, who served as Head of the NBST Secretariat from January 2021 until his suspension in January 2025, has accused the Board, chaired by Mr. Solomon S. Peters, of orchestrating his removal as retaliation for his strong stance on transparency and accountability in the use of community funds.
In a formal complaint addressed to the NBST Board and copied to several government agencies including the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), and the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Kollie is demanding payment of US$6,970.65 in unpaid salary, severance, and benefits.
He has also given the Board a two-week ultimatum, threatening legal action if the matter is not resolved.
“In a country where the government is making stringent efforts to combat graft and weed out corruption, the NBST Board that manages millions of dollars for Affected Communities will target a staff to lose his job simply because he has fought to uphold the principle of accountability,” Kollie stated in his August 29, 2025 letter.
Background of the Controversy
The NBST Board was established by the Forestry Development Authority to manage and disburse 30% of land rental fees paid by logging companies to affected forest communities.
Mr. Kollie’s role placed him at the center of a system involving millions of dollars in project funds meant for rural development.
The controversy began in November 2024, when Mr. Edward Teah, a community representative, accused Mr. Kollie of financial misconduct, including requesting kickbacks and withholding funds.
The NBST Board, led by Chairman Solomon Peters, subsequently suspended Mr. Kollie in January 2025 and referred the matter to the FDA.
In response, the FDA established an Independent Investigative Committee under the National Multi-Stakeholders Steering Committee of the Liberia-EU Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA).
The Committee, which included legal and civil society representatives, conducted interviews and reviewed documentation related to the allegations.
Kollie Cleared, But Not Reinstated
In its final report dated May 8, 2025, the Committee exonerated Mr. Kollie of all charges and explicitly recommended his reinstatement as Head of the Secretariat.
“Mr. Roberto Kollie should be recalled and reinstated to his post,” the Committee’s report concluded, further recommending a financial audit of the Board and a review of its governance procedures.
However, on July 7, 2025, the NBST Board issued an official notice to Mr. Kollie stating that his employment contract had expired and would not be renewed “due to administrative reasons.”
Critics say the Board’s decision contradicts both the findings and recommendations of the investigative committee and reflects a larger culture of impunity and poor governance within the forestry sector.
FDA’s Silent Endorsement?
While the FDA officially received the investigation report and even encouraged the Board to implement the recommendations, including a full financial audit, it has taken no apparent action to enforce the reinstatement of Mr. Kollie or to resolve the labor dispute.
This inaction has drawn concern from civil society groups, including members of the NGO Coalition and the National Civil Society Council of Liberia, who are calling for urgent reforms in the management of community forestry funds.
“This is exactly the kind of case that tests the government’s commitment to transparency,” said a civil society actor who asked not to be named. “You can’t claim to fight corruption but stand by when a whistleblower is punished for doing the right thing.”
Looking Ahead: Legal Showdown Possible
Kollie’s two-week ultimatum is nearing, legal experts suggest that the matter could head to court, possibly triggering a landmark case involving whistleblower protection and labor rights in Liberia’s forestry sector.
Kollie’s legal team has reportedly begun reviewing options, citing breach of labor law, wrongful dismissal, and violation of anti-corruption safeguards as potential charges.
The NBST Board has yet to issue a formal response to his demands.
