A group of Liberian business owners, predominantly women, gathered at the Capitol Building in Monrovia to present a petition to the Legislature. They expressed frustration with the severe shipping delays and mounting port bottlenecks affecting their businesses. The petition was also presented to the National Port Authority (NPA). The business owners, under the banner China Business Women United with One Voice and the Consortium of Liberia Importers, wore white to symbolize their unity.
The petitioners complained that cargo shipments from Asia, particularly China, now take six to seven months to reach the Freeport of Monrovia. They cited Mask Line as one of the major shipping lines causing these delays. Advocate Sriya Musu Momolu read the petition, stating that prolonged shipping timelines and unfair fees have pushed local enterprises to the brink of collapse. The business owners fear that their personal homes and properties might be lost due to increasing interest rates caused by delays.
The business owners highlighted the issue of arbitrary expiration of Delivery Orders (DOS) due to systemic bottlenecks at port clearance and delays caused by major shipping lines. They claimed that they are forced to pay costly renewal fees, administrative surcharges, and penalizing demurrage and detention fees for delays beyond their control. The petitioners described this situation as unacceptable and demanded urgent intervention.
The petitioners also lamented the double taxation and financial distress they face. While their capital remains trapped at sea or stuck at the port, they are expected to meet quarterly tax obligations to the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), pay office rents, and settle employee salaries. The business owners feel that they are being pushed out of business by foreign traders who bypass regulatory frameworks to retail directly in domestic markets.
To prevent widespread business closures and economic destabilization, the consortium outlined six demands for government action. These demands include a formal legislative inquiry into major shipping lines, a government mandate to waive re-issuance fees and demurrage charges on expired Delivery Orders, and mandatory arrival timelines for maritime carriers. They also seek streamlined container clearance at the Freeport of Monrovia and strict enforcement of the Liberianization Policy to protect local small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Claims and Petition, Representative Prince Toles, received the petition on behalf of the House of Representatives. He committed to bringing the women's grievances before his legislative colleagues for prompt redress. Rep. Toles stated that the issues raised by the business community are deeply concerning and require swift legislative and administrative intervention.
The House of Representatives has summoned key stakeholders in the country's port management to a specialized hearing scheduled for Friday, November 6, 2026. The hearing aims to address growing concerns raised by the protesting businesswomen over alleged excessive port charges and prolonged shipping delays. Those summoned include the Freeport of Monrovia, the National Port Authority (NPA), the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, and the Liberia Business Association (LIBA).
Key points
- The Liberian business owners are demanding urgent intervention to address 7-month shipping delays and increased port fees.
- The petitioners have outlined six demands for government action to prevent widespread business closures and economic destabilization.
- The House of Representatives has summoned key stakeholders in the country's port management to a specialized hearing to address the concerns raised by the business community.
