By Lewis S. Teh
Monrovia, June 29, 2026 – The National Port Authority (NPA) has unveiled a major modernization program at the Freeport of Monrovia, including automated entry and exit gates, digital access passes, expanded parking facilities, and enhanced security infrastructure, aimed at bringing Liberia’s busiest port into line with international standards.
During a guided tour for journalists on Monday, NPA Executive Director for Communications and Public Relations Pewee Baysah showcased ongoing construction at the Bravo Gate and announced that the port’s automation project is expected to be completed within one to two months.
According to Baysah, the upgraded facility will feature separate automated entrance and exit gates equipped with scanning technology to monitor the movement of people and vehicles entering and leaving the port.
“We have two gates—one for entrance and one for exit,” Baysah explained. “This automated system will enable security personnel to verify everyone entering and exiting the port through electronic scanning.”
He said the automation project will replace the current manual registration process with digital access passes and license plate recognition technology to improve security and operational efficiency.
“Unlike before, when visitors wrote their names in a logbook, we are now automating the entire port,” he said.
Baysah disclosed that the NPA is also collaborating with commercial banks to extend banking hours in order to facilitate quicker processing of port-related payments.
Beyond automation, the project includes the construction of a 12-foot-high perimeter security fence stretching from Bravo Gate to the Amoco Gate, replacing the previous six-foot fence.
The authority is also transforming previously unused land around Bravo Gate into a modern parking facility for port users while constructing landscaped walkways, installing decorative lighting, and improving the overall appearance of the port.
According to Baysah, the improvements are intended to ensure compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and position the Freeport among modern ports in the region.
He urged the public to judge the port by the visible developments rather than speculation.
“We’re doing good work here, and we want Liberians to see the progress being made,” Baysah said.
He added that additional infrastructure improvements are underway across the port, including the installation of new fire hydrant systems and upgrades to other operational areas.
The NPA expects the automation project to be completed within the next two months, after which officials plan to officially unveil the fully operational automated gate system.
The modernization initiative forms part of the NPA’s broader strategy to improve security, reduce congestion, enhance operational efficiency, and align the Freeport of Monrovia with international maritime standards.
