President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is poised to enact an executive directive solidifying the creation of the Liberia National Railway Authority (LNRA), an important move aimed at bolstering and regulating the nation’s railway network.
The forthcoming decree seeks to leverage Liberia’s crucial railway assets for economic expansion and national progress. “The Government of Liberia possesses several pivotal railway assets integral to our national infrastructure,” asserts the preliminary executive order, reviewed by the Saharaa. Notable among these assets are the Yekepa Railway, spanning from Yekepa in Nimba County through Bong County to the Port of Buchanan in Grand Bassa County; the Bong Range, under the auspices of China Union, reaching the Freeport of Monrovia; the Western Cluster, also terminating at the Freeport of Monrovia; the Cavalla Mining/BHP Billiton Range from Upper Grand Bassa County; and the Putu Mining Range in Grand Gedeh County.
Moreover, the establishment of the National Rail Authority serves as a precursor to the Liberty Corridor, a cutting-edge rail infrastructure slated for development by HPX. This corridor, extending from Mount Nimba in Guinea to a deep-water port in Grand Bassa County, will be owned by the Liberian government, with HPX as a primary stakeholder.
Upon President Boakai’s endorsement, the executive order will underscore the government’s dedication to optimizing these railway assets to facilitate mineral exports and other commodities, thereby fostering economic growth and benefiting Liberian citizens. “These existing infrastructures have been underutilized and unregulated, negatively impacting our nation,” emphasizes the draft executive order, signaling a shift from their historical use primarily for iron ore mining interests. With agriculture a top priority under President Boakai’s ARREST agenda, improved transportation infrastructure promises to benefit farmers by enhancing access to markets both domestically and internationally.
The draft order also reaffirms an accord with Guinea, known as the Implementation Agreement, facilitating the export of Guinean products through Liberia. “This agreement, acknowledged by Guinea on February 18, 2020, and by Liberia on May 6, 2021, underscores our commitment to regional cooperation and economic progress,” emphasizes the draft order.
Under this agreement, the LNRA will oversee the non-exclusive use of rail assets currently under the purview of ArcelorMittal Liberia. Additionally, the government pledges access to Ivanhoe Liberia Limited and Societe des Mines de Fer de Guinée (SMFG) under a framework agreement supporting the utilization of Liberian infrastructure for their sanctioned projects.
“We are steadfast in our commitment to the principles of open, non-discriminatory access to railway and port infrastructure,” declares the draft order. “This ensures equitable utilization by all eligible users, including local enterprises and mining operators, in accordance with international best practices.”
The LNRA will assume responsibility for licensing, regulating, and monitoring railway operations, prioritizing safety and compliance with standards. It will also devise transportation policies and strategies for the movement of goods and people, both domestically and in transit from neighboring nations.
“This executive order signifies a significant stride in Liberia’s infrastructure advancement,” underscores the draft order. “The establishment of the Liberia National Railway Authority is poised to foster sustainable development and enhance the overall well-being of the Liberian populace.”
