By By: The People News Online
Monrovia, Liberia — Serious allegations of financial mismanagement, procurement abuses, and governance failures have engulfed the National Port Authority (NPA), one of Liberia’s most strategic revenue-generating institutions, prompting urgent calls for presidential intervention.
A detailed briefing note submitted to the Executive outlines what it describes as systemic irregularities under the leadership of NPA Managing Director, Sekou H. Dukuly. The allegations, drawn from internal staff, contractors, and sector stakeholders, warn that failure to act could expose the government to revenue losses, labor unrest, and reputational damage at home and abroad.
Financial Practices Under Scrutiny
At the heart of the concerns are claims of irregular financial reporting and off-ledger transactions at the port authority. The briefing alleges that discretionary spending may be costing the NPA more than US$500,000 annually, alongside “covert” or “security” expenditures exceeding US$700,000 each year—despite the NPA not being a security institution.
The note further alleges that between US$30,000 and US$37,000 is withdrawn monthly in physical cash, sometimes multiple times per month, raising red flags over possible violations of Liberia’s Public Financial Management Law.
Procurement Deals Questioned
Procurement and contracting practices at the NPA are also under the spotlight. The briefing alleges repeated awards of contracts perceived as non-competitive or linked to personal associates, including vehicle rental services reportedly given to a single company without proper procurement procedures.
Several consultancy contracts—covering media, automation, human resources, and tariff reviews—are said to have been awarded at high cost with little to no measurable institutional benefit. Of particular concern is an automation contract valued at approximately US$800,000, allegedly linked to personal associations.
US$3.5 Million Loan Raises Alarm
One of the most serious allegations involves a US$3.5 million loan reportedly approved for capital projects. According to the briefing, the funds were allegedly diverted to redundancy payments, with none of the projects listed in the loan justification implemented.
The note warns of possible false reporting to justify the diversion of funds and questions the effectiveness of post-disbursement oversight by the Debt Management Committee, raising the risk of embezzlement of borrowed public resources.
Questionable Payments and Purchases
The document also flags payments totaling about US$90,000 to a former Chief of Staff, allegedly made without court orders or legal documentation and withdrawn within hours of issuance. There are claims the funds may have been used for lobbying or influence activities.
Additionally, the purchase of a fire truck valued at roughly US$300,000 has come under criticism. The vehicle was reportedly paid for in full upfront, later found unfit for service by the National Fire Service, and linked to allegations of kickbacks and retaliation against procurement officials.
Threats to Strategic Assets and Workers’ Welfare
Concerns extend beyond finances to strategic control of national assets. The briefing opposes a proposal to transfer management of Liberia Maritime Corporation (LMC) and Buchanan Maritime Corporation (BMC) piers to a foreign entity under a revenue-sharing arrangement that would leave only 15 percent for the NPA.
Worker welfare is also highlighted, with allegations of inflated transportation charges on employee rice distributions—costs that have reportedly fueled dissatisfaction and declining morale among staff.
Calls for Immediate Action
The briefing urges the President to authorize a forensic audit of NPA finances by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), establish a presidential investigative panel, suspend questionable contracts, and guarantee protection for whistleblowers.
It also calls for a review of governance and access controls at the port authority and the implementation of stabilization measures should preliminary findings confirm the allegations.
A Test for Reform
The National Port Authority plays a pivotal role in Liberia’s economy, serving as a gateway for trade and a major source of government revenue. Observers say how the administration responds to these allegations will be a critical test of its reform agenda.
“The NPA is too important to be compromised by unresolved allegations,” the briefing concludes, warning that swift and transparent action is necessary to restore confidence, protect public funds, and saf
eguard one of Liberia’s most vital institutions.
