Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s recent veto of key provisions within two contentious port decentralization bills has earned widespread commendation from a coalition of civil society organizations, student groups, and intellectual institutions. These groups are now urging the National Legislature to revisit and revise the legislation to address legal inconsistencies, governance concerns, and structural shortcomings.
The legislation in question — the Liberia Sea and Inland Ports Decentralization and Modernization Act — was passed by both chambers of the National Legislature on June 24, 2025. The proposed law seeks to grant greater autonomy to Liberia’s regional ports, encouraging foreign direct investment and directing port-generated revenues toward local infrastructure development.
While the intent behind the bill has been largely welcomed, President Boakai vetoed major portions, citing conflicts with existing maritime statutes and fears of administrative overlap with the Liberia Maritime Authority. In his veto message, the president emphasized the need for legal coherence, warning that port decentralization without a harmonized legal framework could fragment national maritime governance.
In response, a broad coalition of civil society organizations and student-led groups held a joint press conference in Monrovia to applaud the president’s action, describing the veto as a timely and necessary safeguard against poorly coordinated decentralization.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai for his prudent decision to veto specific line items in the bill,” said Stephanie Success Gibson, Assistant Secretary General of Books Before Boys Incorporated, as she read the coalition’s official statement.
The coalition praised the development-focused vision behind the legislation but noted serious flaws in its current form. These included ambiguous legislative language, a lack of public consultation, and the establishment of a nine-member board for each port — a structure the groups argued could undermine operational efficiency and transparency.
“We are not advocating for the bill’s complete repeal,” clarified Mustapha Z. Sherman, Executive Director of Books Before Boys. “We simply believe the Legislature should revisit and fine-tune certain sections to ensure the legislation aligns with both national interests and legal frameworks.”
Sherman also extended appreciation to the Legislature for its efforts to create laws aimed at job creation and broader socio-economic development. “We recognize and commend their foresight,” he added, “but laws of such national importance must be both technically sound and inclusive.”
The coalition also emphasized the importance of participatory governance in the legislative process, calling for broader stakeholder engagement. They recommended that future port legislation undergo thorough public consultations, legal reviews, and be designed to avoid redundancy with existing maritime institutions.
A wide range of organizations joined the coalition, reflecting the diverse concerns raised by various segments of Liberian society. These included: Books Before Boys Incorporated, Center for the Exchange of Intellectual Opinion (CEIO), National Muslim Student Association of Liberia (NAMSAL), New Initiative for Progress, Coalition of Youth and Students for a Better Liberia, Liberia Youth United for Disability, Young Women for Peace, Alliance of Muslim Youths for Democracy, Liberia Action for Climate Justice and Voice of the People.
However, their joint appeal adds to a growing national conversation about how best to balance decentralization with strong, centralized coordination in sectors vital to Liberia’s economic future.
As debate over the port reform bills continues, observers note that President Boakai’s intervention may lead to more inclusive and effective legislation. With both branches of government now urged to work together to realign the bills with the Constitution and maritime law, the coming weeks will be critical in shaping the future of Liberia’s port governance.
