The House of Representatives has officially received a formal response from the Executive Mansion regarding its request to temporarily suspend key provisions of the Liberia Traffic Management (LTM) concession agreement. The move comes as public concerns mount over service quality, costs to citizens, and weak oversight mechanisms under the public-private partnership.
The response, contained in a letter dated August 7, 2025, was addressed to Chief Clerk Madam Mildred N. Sayon by Acting Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Mamaka Bility. The letter confirmed that the Executive had acknowledged the House’s concerns and is committed to transparency, due process, and collaboration with the Legislature.
“The matter has been noted with urgency and seriousness,” the letter stated, signaling the Executive’s readiness to work alongside the House in addressing the issues raised.
Lawmakers moved to intervene after citizens, advocacy groups, and civil society organizations raised alarms over the LTM concession agreement. Central points of contention included vehicle registration delays, inconsistencies in driver licensing, and concerns over the issuance of license plates, which many Liberians described as costly and inefficient.
The House, citing its constitutional mandate, called for an immediate halt to these components pending a comprehensive review and investigation. According to lawmakers, the review aims to ensure all public-private partnerships operate within legal frameworks, ethical standards, and public accountability measures.
“Our duty is to protect the national interest and safeguard public resources,” a senior legislator told reporters. “We cannot allow gaps in oversight to compromise services that directly affect Liberians’ daily lives.”
The Liberia Traffic Management (LTM) concession was signed several years ago to modernize Liberia’s traffic and vehicle administration systems, including the automation of vehicle registration and licensing services. The partnership aimed to enhance efficiency, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and improve revenue collection.
However, over time, concerns emerged over implementation gaps, cost to citizens, and the lack of rigorous monitoring and auditing mechanisms. Critics argued that while LTM collected fees and issued licenses, service delivery did not match expectations, prompting the Legislature to step in.
In her letter, Acting Minister Bility assured the House that the administration is actively reviewing the LTM agreement under the President’s direction and is prepared to engage with the Legislature to address any gaps.
“The Executive is committed to ensuring transparency, due process, and collaboration with the House of Representatives to address the issues raised,” the letter stated.
The House and Executive now plan to convene a series of engagements involving regulatory bodies, civil society groups, and private sector partners. The goal is to assess compliance, identify shortcomings, and implement corrective measures.
“The review will not only address immediate operational concerns but will also guide how future public-private partnerships are structured,” a lawmaker said. “This is about ensuring that Liberia’s citizens receive quality services and that public resources are properly managed.”
Observers say the outcome of the review could set a precedent for the oversight of future PPPs in Liberia, especially in critical sectors such as transportation, utilities, and infrastructure. By combining legislative scrutiny, executive cooperation, and public participation, Liberia aims to strengthen governance, accountability, and service delivery across the country.
