By Desmond Gbeleh Wion
Monrovia, Liberia | March 24, 2025
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has praised the leadership of the National Port Authority (NPA) for taking bold steps to modernize Liberia’s ports, describing the agency as a key driver of the country’s economic development. Speaking after receiving a detailed 14-month performance report from NPA executives, President Boakai reaffirmed his administration’s full support in making Liberia’s ports competitive within the West African region.
The meeting, held at the Executive Mansion, brought together top NPA officials, including Managing Director Sekou H. Dukuly, Board Chairman J. Luther Tarpeh, and other senior executives. It focused on the NPA’s achievements, challenges, and strategic plans aimed at upgrading port infrastructure to meet international standards.
President Boakai Commends NPA’s Efforts
During the meeting, President Boakai expressed his satisfaction with the progress made by the NPA leadership. He emphasized the critical role ports play in Liberia’s economic growth, noting that efficient port operations directly impact trade, investment, and national development.
“The NPA serves as the gateway to Liberia’s economy. Its efficiency and development are essential to our country’s economic viability,” President Boakai stated.
He further stressed that his administration is committed to supporting the NPA’s efforts to improve infrastructure, governance, and operational efficiency. According to the President, a modernized port system will not only boost revenue generation but also create jobs and attract investors looking to do business in Liberia.
NPA’s 14-Month Performance Report
NPA Managing Director Sekou H. Dukuly presented an extensive review of the authority’s operations over the past year. He highlighted major accomplishments, including improvements in service delivery, infrastructure development, and policy reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency.
Dukuly reassured the President that the NPA leadership remains focused on transparency, accountability, and operational excellence. He stressed the need for continuous investment in port modernization, pointing out that Liberia’s ports must meet global standards to remain competitive.
“Our leadership is focused on infrastructure development and modernization, ensuring that Liberia’s ports operate efficiently, reduce costs, and improve service delivery,” MD Dukuly stated.
He also noted that the NPA is reviewing existing contracts and concessions, particularly the APM Terminals agreement, to ensure fairness, transparency, and alignment with the government’s pro-business agenda.
Calls for Infrastructure Upgrades and Reforms
As part of its strategic vision, the NPA is working to upgrade and modernize ports across the country. MD Dukuly mentioned that the authority is looking at new technologies and best practices that will improve efficiency, reduce congestion, and enhance revenue collection.
The Managing Director acknowledged some of the challenges the NPA faces, including outdated infrastructure, financial constraints, and bureaucratic bottlenecks. However, he assured the President that his team is committed to overcoming these obstacles through innovation and collaboration with key stakeholders.
Stakeholders in Attendance
The high-level meeting saw the presence of several senior officials from the NPA, including:
Hon. J. Luther Tarpeh – Chairman, NPA Board of Directors
Hon. James Barnard – Deputy Managing Director for Administration
Hon. Julius Goodin – Board Member (Former DMO, now retired)
Mr. Sekou B. Korleh – Executive Director for Governmental & International Affairs
Ms. Raquel Clinton – Senior Director, Training Department
The discussions centered on strengthening port governance, streamlining operations, and ensuring that all reforms align with Liberia’s long-term development goals.
A Strong Future for Liberia’s Ports
President Boakai reaffirmed that his government will continue to support the NPA’s transformation agenda. He encouraged the leadership to stay focused on adopting international best practices, improving service delivery, and making Liberia’s ports more attractive to investors.
With global trade becoming increasingly competitive, the President emphasized that Liberia must position itself as a hub for maritime trade in the region. He expressed confidence in the NPA’s ability to drive sustainable economic growth through efficient port management and infrastructure development.
As Liberia moves forward with its economic recovery efforts, the role of the NPA remains crucial in ensuring that the country’s ports become a major asset in trade facilitation and national progress.
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