NPA to Build US$200M Bulk Terminal

National Port Authority boss announced ambitious plan here.

By: Kruah Thompson

Monrovia, Liberia:  The Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA) of Liberia, Sekou H. Dukuly, has announced plans to construct a new US$200 million bulk and re-bulk terminal at the Freeport of Monrovia to handle major commodities such as rice, cement, and wheat.

He made the disclosure during an interview on a local radio station in Monrovia on Monday, May 19, 2025.

Speaking during his appearance Mr. Dukuly explained that Liberia remains one of the few countries in West Africa without a specialized terminal for bulk commodities, an absence that continues to drive up costs for businesses and consumers.

“We are one of the only ports in West Africa without a specialized terminal for bulk commodities,” he said. “The best practice globally is that bulk commodities, whether clean or dusty are processed through specialized terminals, which separate them from container transactions, but Unfortunately, Liberia does not have such a facility.”

Mr. Dukuly emphasized that the lack of a dedicated terminal has resulted in significant demurrage charges for businesses. He cited the example of a vessel that arrived in Liberia since July 2024 and remained in port until November 4, accruing daily charges of US$2,500.

“For example, when you charter someone’s car with to take your thing off when you reach Monrovia and upon reaching you don’t have a place to store your goods, they’ll start charging you 5 dollars every day,” he explained. “That cost is then passed on to the consumer.”

He pointed to the continued high cost of rice in the Liberian market as a direct result of these inefficiencies, even after the Indian government lifted the additional 20% export tariff imposed on the exportation of rice during the Russia and Ukraine war.

“You don’t see a reduction in the price of rice here because the additional costs of doing business at the port are still being factored in the normal price of rice on the market” he said.

However, he revealed that due to the absence of this infrastructure, the NPA is currently limited to discharging rice and other bulk commodities via containers, and road to road operations. 

This system, he says especially during the rainy season, prolongs the importation process, as many of the vessels used are not fully containerized.”

Mr. Dukuly also revealed that based on this, he recently travelled to Morocco to initiate the country’s first comprehensive Port Master Plan since the end of Liberia’s civil conflict.

The master plan, he said, is designed to assess maritime traffic and business trends over the next decade. “The master plan will look at where we are now, project growth in the next two to five years, and forecast economic trends over ten years,” he stated. “It will help determine how many people and businesses, including those in MRU and ECOWAS, will use Liberian port facilities.”

As part of the broader strategy, the master plan will also outline modernization and expansion models to facilitate more efficient importation of goods within the next five years.

Mr. Dukuly acknowledged that while the Liberian government does not currently have the funds to begin construction of the new terminal, the NPA has, for the first time, identified a site for the project, and in the meantime, the Authority is focusing on the renovation and modernization of existing infrastructure.

“In the next few months, you will see a completely renovated port, from the administrative buildings to the LSP and the clinic. We are also working on rehabilitating roads and upgrading equipment,” he said.

Meanwhile he revealed that through the Port Authority may not have the money to build the new terminal now, but they are ensuring their staff work in decent buildings and have the necessary tools to do their jobs.”

When questioned about ArcelorMittal’s use of the Port of Buchanan and the royalties paid to the National Port Authority (NPA), Managing Director Sekou H. Dukuly stated that the company currently pays nothing, something he says is not how it’s supposed to be.

“Those are the conversations we are having right now with the heads at the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC). I’m glad the President has taken a position on the rail. For the first time, they are open to having discussions not just about extracting their ore but about doing so in a fair and lawful manner,” Dukuly said.

He highlighted that there is significant expansion underway at the Port of Buchanan but noted that ArcelorMittal has refused to engage with the Port Authority on how that expansion should proceed and what benefits should accrue to the Liberian government and the NPA.

Also, he said there should be a fee for using Liberian waters, but such a fee has never been paid.

“They have refused to engage with us. They are currently utilizing the port while refusing to honor their obligations,” he said.

Dukuly commended the Financial Intelligence Commission (FIC), the National Investment Commission (NIC), the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Executive Mansion for stepping in to support the NPA.

He emphasized that, for the first time, all relevant government institutions are working together to ensure the NPA receives what it is due.

He also clarified that due to the ongoing collaborative efforts, he does not plan to seek legislative ratification of the third amendment to the ArcelorMittal agreement at this time.

“Our goal is to ensure we are having the right conversations and taking the right steps moving forward,” he concluded.