A major institutional standoff has reportedly erupted within Liberia’s transport sector after President Joseph Nyuma Boakai ordered an immediate suspension of all motor vehicle–related operations at the Ministry of Transport. The move comes amid an intensifying legal and administrative dispute between the Ministry and the Liberia Traffic Management Incorporated (LTMI).
According to sources close to the matter, the presidential directive follows weeks of growing controversy over which body holds lawful authority to manage, register, and regulate motor vehicle activities in the country. The dispute has exposed deep-seated governance issues, highlighting overlapping mandates, conflicting contracts, and growing concerns over legal compliance in public administration.
At the centre of the dispute is a long-running disagreement between the Ministry of Transport and LTMI concerning the legality of licensing, registration, and traffic management functions.
LTMI, a private company operating under a government concession, insists it retains exclusive rights under its agreement with the Liberian government. The Ministry, however, maintains that statutory authority for such operations resides solely with the state. This tug-of-war has created widespread confusion, disrupted services, and fuelled mutual accusations of illegality and overreach.
Insiders say President Boakai’s directive to halt all vehicle-related operations at the Ministry is a precautionary measure meant to prevent further legal violations while the issue undergoes formal review.
The decision marks a rare and forceful intervention from the President, signaling how seriously the administration views the dispute and its potential impact on institutional order.
Although no official statement has been released by the Executive Mansion, reports suggest that the President has instructed all relevant agencies to refrain from actions that might breach existing concession agreements until a legal determination is reached.
The temporary shutdown has immediate repercussions for ordinary citizens. Vehicle registration, licensing, and other transport services have reportedly slowed or stopped, inconveniencing thousands of drivers nationwide.
Many citizens remain uncertain about which institution currently holds legitimate authority, deepening frustration and mistrust.
Legal experts caution that the situation reflects a broader challenge in public governance. As one policy analyst observed, “When the boundaries between state authority and private concessionaires blur, the foundation of public trust weakens.”
Civil society groups and legal commentators are urging the government to act swiftly to clarify the country’s legal framework for transport management. They stress that transparency, judicial oversight, and strict adherence to the law are essential to resolving the conflict and preventing future disputes.
As the situation unfolds, the public awaits clear direction from the Presidency. For now, the suspension stands as a stark warning of how unresolved legal ambiguities can cripple vital public services—and how quickly institutional authority can come into question when the rule of law is uncertain.
