MONROVIA –The Law Reform Commission of Liberia has highlighted the significance of the proposed Liberia National Railway Authority (LNRA) Act, describing it as a transformative legal instrument capable of shaping the country’s economic future for generations.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh
Speaking during a stakeholder validation exercise on the draft legislation, the Chairman of the Law Reform Commission, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, said the proposed Act seeks to establish a permanent legal framework for the governance and regulation of Liberia’s railway sector.
According to Cllr. Varmah, stakeholders are not merely reviewing another piece of legislation but are contributing to the development of a legal framework with the potential to drive national growth and economic transformation.
He explained that the proposed legislation represents a fundamental shift in the governance of Liberia’s railway sector. Historically, he noted, railway infrastructure in Liberia has largely been developed and utilized to support specific mining concessions.
While acknowledging that the model contributed to economic activity, Cllr. Varmah said it often limited broader national access and constrained opportunities for diversified economic growth.
“The draft LNRA Act seeks to reposition railways as strategic national assets capable of serving multiple users and sectors of the economy,” he said.
“Under the proposed framework, Liberia could move toward a railway system that promotes transparency, competitive access, regulatory certainty, infrastructure expansion and effective national development planning,” Cllr. Varmah added.
The Law Reform Commission Chairman stressed that the proposed reform could unlock significant economic opportunities for the country.
“The legislation would enhance investor confidence by creating a predictable legal and regulatory environment for railway operations and infrastructure development,” he explained.
Additionally, he noted that the framework could facilitate increased mining production and exports through improved transportation efficiency and the reduction of logistical bottlenecks.
The proposed railway authority, he stated, would also support agricultural commercialization by enabling farmers and agribusinesses to transport goods more efficiently from production areas to domestic and international markets.
“Most importantly, an effective railway system can strengthen regional integration, facilitate trade and position Liberia as a competitive destination for investment in West Africa,” Cllr. Varmah said.
He described the validation exercise as a critical component of the lawmaking process, noting that the Commission is seeking the expertise, insights and constructive contributions of stakeholders to ensure that the final legislation adequately addresses national interests and aligns with international best practices.
The proposed Liberia National Railway Authority Act is expected to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at modernizing the country’s railway sector and maximizing its contribution to national development.
Also speaking at the event, Governance Commission Executive Director Jallah C. Kesselly described the validation exercise as a process that has begun on the right footing.
According to Mr. Kesselly, as a reform and policy-driven institution, the Governance Commission takes seriously any law or policy that seeks to impact future generations.
“We are going to take a look at it to ensure that the work is adequately done. For us to be apart of this project tells me that we are getting in the right direction,” Mr. Kesselly intoned.
