Monrovia – The Liberian Senate has endorsed a proposal to amend the country’s petroleum law to clarify jurisdictional responsibilities and prevent future disputes among institutions overseeing the sector.
The decision followed a high-level hearing involving the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA), the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Mines and Energy, aimed at resolving a public dispute over authority in the petroleum sector.
The controversy emerged after NOCAL signed offshore survey agreements with GeoPartners Limited and Searcher Geodata UK Ltd. to conduct geological and geophysical surveys in the Liberia and Harper Basins. Civil society organization Liberia Early Warning Watch (LEW-Watch) challenged the move, arguing that the activities constitute petroleum reconnaissance under the 2014 Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Reform Law and therefore require a reconnaissance license from the LPRA before any work can begin.
The issue gained national attention following an investigative report by FrontPage Africa. In response, Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh and River Gee County Senator Jonathan Boye Charles Sogbie submitted a communication to the Senate, citing Section 11.1 of the Petroleum Law, which mandates that entities conducting reconnaissance activities obtain prior authorization from the LPRA.
The lawmakers warned that unresolved jurisdictional conflicts could undermine investor confidence and weaken regulatory oversight in Liberia’s emerging petroleum industry.
Senate Brings Parties Together
Seeking a resolution, the Senate convened a meeting involving the chairpersons of the boards of NOCAL and the LPRA, the LPRA Director General, the President and Chief Executive Officer of NOCAL, the Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Mines and Energy.
The session was presided over by Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and attended by several senators, including Edwin Snowe, Abraham Darius Dillon and Amara Konneh.
Following deliberations, the Senate concluded that the LPRA possesses the statutory authority to issue petroleum reconnaissance licenses. Consequently, NOCAL and its partners were instructed to submit the necessary applications to the LPRA for review and approval before proceeding with any survey activities.
Lawmakers emphasized that all institutions operating within Liberia’s petroleum sector must remain within their legally defined mandates and uphold the transparency and accountability necessary to attract credible investment.
Justice Ministry Recommends Legal Clarification
Beyond resolving the immediate dispute, the hearing produced a broader recommendation for reform.
Justice Minister Oswald Tweh proposed amendments to the Petroleum Law aimed at making its jurisdictional provisions clearer and less susceptible to differing interpretations.
The Senate endorsed the recommendation, stressing that legal clarity is essential to preventing similar conflicts in the future. Lawmakers noted that clearly defined mandates would eliminate ambiguity and strengthen institutional cooperation across the sector.
Collaboration Within Defined Mandates
Throughout the discussions, senators reiterated that collaboration among government institutions remains critical to advancing Liberia’s petroleum agenda. However, they emphasized that cooperation must occur within the framework of each institution’s legal authority.
According to lawmakers, the separation of responsibilities between a national oil company and an independent regulator is a cornerstone of good governance in the petroleum industry. Such distinctions help prevent conflicts of interest, promote accountability, and align Liberia’s petroleum sector with international best practices.
The Senate’s decision sends a broader message to investors and stakeholders that Liberia remains committed to maintaining a predictable and enforceable regulatory framework for petroleum development.
As part of the resolution, the LPRA indicated that, in the spirit of cooperation and sectoral advancement, it would welcome and promptly process any reconnaissance license application submitted by NOCAL for the proposed survey activities.
Despite the outcome of the hearing, the Senate has yet to formally communicate its decision to the public.
