By Christian Appleton
Harper, Maryland County, Liberia – The recent passage of a bill granting autonomy to Liberia’s local ports has been met with both optimism and caution by port stakeholders. In an exclusive interview at his Harper office, Senior Director of the Port of Harper, Augustine Wakla Nuefville II, offered critical insight into the new legislation, championed by Hon. Augustine Taylor Sr., Representative of Karluway District #3 and Chair on Ports and Maritime Affairs.
Director Nuefville described the bill as a “double-edged sword,” acknowledging its potential benefits while highlighting significant challenges. “It’s good in the sense that it gives each port the opportunity to develop and operate for the betterment of the country,” he stated. However, he warned that without substantial support and investment, rural ports like Harper may struggle to operate independently.
Currently, the Port of Harper remains largely underutilized, with only occasional visits from international vessels, primarily linked to palm oil exports by Golden Veroleum. “If we have no other subsidiaries or revenue sources, it becomes very difficult to manage the port’s operations and cover staff salaries,” Nuefville explained, emphasizing the limited income generated from the two international vessels they currently receive.
Nuefville believes the drafters of the bill intended to stimulate growth and functionality among underperforming ports across the country. He stressed Harper’s significant potential, especially given its proximity to the bustling Port of San Pedro in Côte d’Ivoire. “San Pedro is just a short distance away. If our port is upgraded, we could easily host vessels from there and beyond,” he said.
He also outlined Harper’s unique geographic advantage, including access to the Hoffman River, which could allow for the separation of smaller local vessels like Fanti canoes from international ships, thereby improving traffic flow and security.
While some rehabilitation work is underway with support from the National Port Authority (NPA), including repairs to the port’s fenders and borders, Nuefville stated these are only partial solutions. “Our concern is to dredge the port and extend the pier to accommodate larger ships. Currently, our capacity is just 90 meters; ideally, we should expand to at least 150 or 200 meters.”
He sees private investment as a necessary but complex path forward. While it could expedite development, he expressed concern about long-term revenue loss for the government. “Investors usually want high returns—sometimes up to 80%—which means reduced government earnings over time.” In contrast, he argued, a fully government-funded development could ensure all revenue remains within national coffers. However, he acknowledged the difficulty of this route given current financial constraints and the absence of a finalized master plan. “As we go independent, it’s vital we develop and present a concrete plan to both the government and potential investors.
Reflecting on his tenure since taking over one year and two months ago, Nuefville highlighted several achievements, including the electrification of the port, road improvements to prevent accidents, and general renovation efforts. “Our administration has prioritized transparency, accountability, and community accessibility. These are the values we hold under the leadership of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai,” he said.
Director Nuefville concluded on a hopeful note, recognizing that while the road ahead is challenging, it is not insurmountable. “There is no problem without a solution. If we continue to work and stay committed, Harper Port can become a major contributor to Liberia’s maritime economy.”
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