Under the visionary leadership of Hon. Sekou A. M. Dukuly, the National Port Authority (NPA) of Liberia has achieved remarkable milestones, showcasing the Management Team’s unwavering commitment to transforming Liberia’s maritime sector into a beacon of efficiency, transparency, and international relevance. Below are some of the significant gains realized over the past year:
- Capacity Building: Empowering the Workforce for the Future
The NPA prioritized capacity building by partnering with global stakeholders to equip its workforce with cutting-edge skills. Notably, 25 employees received advanced training in Integrated Port Logistics Technology at Ningbo Polytechnic in China. This initiative strengthens operational competencies and introduces global best practices into Liberia’s ports. - Empowering Women
Fifteen female staff members participated in specialized training under the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa at the Autonomous Port of Abidjan, underscoring the NPA’s commitment to gender inclusivity and professional development. - Strengthening Financial Stewardship and Transparency
- National Budget Contribution: The NPA’s $3 million contribution to the national budget emphasizes its pivotal role in Liberia’s economic framework.
- Comprehensive Audit Initiative: Collaborating with the General Auditing Commission (GAC), the NPA launched a rigorous audit to ensure transparency in financial, personnel, and operational processes.
- Modernizing Operations for Efficiency
The introduction of live payroll checks for over 2,000 employees across all ports addressed long-standing issues of ghost employees and enhanced accountability. - Digital Transformation
The launch of a revamped website, a biometric attendance system, and active social media platforms has revolutionized communication and operational oversight, providing seamless access to information for stakeholders and improving internal processes. - Infrastructure and Safety Enhancements
A state-of-the-art 24-hour lighting system was implemented at the Freeport of Monrovia, with plans to extend it to all ports, significantly improving operational safety and efficiency for round-the-clock activities. - Modern Navigational Aid
Through an agreement with APM Terminals, advanced navigational aids have been deployed to ensure safer and more efficient vessel movement, enhancing Liberia’s maritime appeal. - Social and Employee Welfare
The NPA reinstated equitable benefits for all employees, including the provision of rice to staff, fostering morale and fairness across the board. - Social Security Compliance
In a transformative move, the NPA paid over $300,000 to the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) within five months, a significant leap compared to the $400,000 paid over the past six years. - Tax Compliance
The NPA resolved a six-year backlog of employee income taxes owed to the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), reinforcing its commitment to fiscal responsibility. - Environmental and Emergency Preparedness
The NPA contributed to Liberia’s first-ever Oil Spill Emergency Response Strategy, showcasing its proactive stance on environmental protection. - Refurbished Clinic and Ambulance
The refurbishment of the Freeport of Monrovia’s clinic and the procurement of an ambulance—the first in NPA’s history—highlight the emphasis on staff welfare and emergency readiness. - Global Collaborations to Drive Growth
A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese Government initiated the development of a comprehensive master plan for Liberia’s ports, aimed at attracting significant investments and driving the maritime industry forward. - LMC Pier Expansion
In partnership with TagerMed of Morocco, plans are underway to expand the LMC pier at the Freeport of Monrovia, enhancing cargo and container handling capacity. - Rescuing Sinking Tugboats in Greenville
In a decisive effort to protect port infrastructure, the NPA contracted Power Marine Services to salvage two sinking tugboats in Greenville. This action not only saved the Port from incurring over $100,000 in removal costs but also restored the functionality of these essential assets.
Securing Liberia’s Position in the Global Maritime Industry
The achievements under Hon. Sekou A. M. Dukuly’s leadership reflect a strategic alignment with international standards and a vision for sustainable development. Through capacity building, infrastructure modernization, global partnerships, and operational efficiency, the NPA has not only bolstered its domestic significance but also positioned Liberia as a rising star in the global maritime industry.
These strides made in 2024 have set a solid foundation for future progress, reinforcing the NPA’s role as a pillar of economic growth and national pride. We look forward to a progressive 2025 marked by the continued impactful transformation of the National Port Authority.