The group emphasized that such exclusion undermines public confidence in the legislative process and casts doubt on the sustainability and effectiveness of the law.
Monrovia – The National Customs Brokers Association of Liberia (NCBAL) has criticized the recently passed Sea and Inland Port Regulatory Act, raising serious concerns over the lack of stakeholder engagement and warning that the new law could increase costs for importers, exporters, shipping lines, and Liberian consumers.
By Willie N. Tokpah
In a statement issued over the weekend, the association said it was deeply shocked and disappointed that the National Legislature passed the legislation without consulting key players in the trade and logistics sectors.
The group emphasized that such exclusion undermines public confidence in the legislative process and casts doubt on the sustainability and effectiveness of the law.
According to the NCBAL, sound and inclusive policymaking requires robust stakeholder consultation. The group questioned whether the passage of the law was genuinely motivated by national interest, noting that the absence of industry input could have far-reaching negative consequences for the Liberian economy.
The association’s primary objection centers on Section 306 of the Act, which introduces new regulatory fees. It believes these fees will significantly raise the cost of doing business in the country. Section 306(1) gives the agency the authority to determine and collect fees from stakeholders for continued port development. The NCBAL argues that this provision will increase transaction costs across the logistics chain.
Section 306(2) mandates fees on all arriving sea craft, a move the association believes will discourage shipowners from calling at Liberian ports. This could lead to reduced shipping traffic and increased freight rates.
Furthermore, Section 306(4) requires local businesses to fund the budget of the regulatory agency, which the association views as counterproductive to national efforts to create a more business-friendly environment.
The association said the law contradicts ongoing efforts by both public and private stakeholders to attract investment, reduce delays at ports, and lower the cost of goods for ordinary Liberians. Instead of alleviating the burden on businesses and consumers, the association argued that the legislation adds new layers of cost and complexity.
In response, the NCBAL has called on President Joseph N. Boakai to withhold his signature from the legislation and initiate broad-based consultations with stakeholders in the trade and logistics sectors.
The group stressed that any reform of the port sector must be guided by best practices and proven systems from other African nations, rather than driven by emotion or political considerations.
James Lawrence Hinneh, Jr., President of the NCBAL, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working collaboratively with government agencies and international partners to implement meaningful reforms.
He said the goal should be to improve the performance, transparency, and competitiveness of Liberia’s ports without undermining the businesses that are vital to national commerce.
The association concluded by urging the government to adopt a more inclusive approach to regulatory reform, one that supports long-term economic growth and relieves—rather than worsens—the burden on Liberian businesses and consumers.
