A growing dispute over authority in Liberia’s oil sector has prompted lawmakers to demand urgent action, as Senators Amara Konneh and Jonathan Boye Charles Sogbie call for the suspension and investigation of recent agreements signed by the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL).
The senators allege that NOCAL entered into contracts with foreign firms GeoPartners and Searcher to conduct petroleum reconnaissance activities without securing the required license from the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA). Under Section 11.1 of Liberia’s Petroleum Law, only the LPRA has the legal mandate to issue such licenses for preliminary exploration activities.
In a formal communication to the Senate Plenary, the lawmakers warned that the situation reflects a deeper institutional conflict between NOCAL and LPRA regarding oversight of the country’s oil sector. They cautioned that failure to resolve the dispute could undermine investor confidence, disrupt regulatory clarity, and negatively impact government revenue.
The senators emphasized that the 2014 Petroleum Law clearly separates responsibilities: NOCAL operates as a commercial entity, while LPRA serves as the independent regulator overseeing all upstream petroleum activities. This structure, they noted, was designed to prevent conflicts of interest and align Liberia with international best practices.
Despite NOCAL’s insistence that its actions are lawful, the senators argue that allowing the disagreement to persist could weaken adherence to the rule of law and jeopardize ongoing reforms within the energy sector.
They are now urging the Senate to intervene swiftly, halt the disputed agreements, and clarify regulatory authority to safeguard the integrity and future of Liberia’s oil industry.
