Senate’s Leadership Wants Comprehensive Review Of Controversial LTMI Deal Calls On Pres. Joseph Boakai To Suspend Agreement
July 27, 2025
Monrovia: The leadership of the Liberian Senate has announced plans to meet with Pres Joseph Boakai to advise him suspend the implementation of the Liberia Traffic Management deal pending a comprehensive review.
The senate decision comes in the wake of widespread public concern, criticism and internal protests at the Ministry of Transport by led employees.
According to the employees, the new agreement effectively outsources vital government services to a foreign-owned company without due diligence or national consultation.
The deal according to critics’ risks undermining government sovereignty, displacing hundreds of public sector workers, and handing over sensitive national data and critical revenue streams to a private entity.
According to protestors, the agreement was crafted and signed with minimal input from key stakeholders, including workers’ unions, civil society organizations, and lawmakers.
Background and Concerns
The issue was raised by Grand Cape Mount County Senator Dabah Varpilah during the Senate’s 41st sitting on held on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The Grand Cape Mount County Senator highlighted what she described as “glaring irregularities” and “questionable motives” behind the agreement, suggesting that the arrangement poses both employment and national security risks.
“We must ensure that any agreement signed in the name of the Liberian people upholds transparency, protects jobs, and aligns with our long-term national interest,” Senator Varpilah said. “This LTMI deal does not appear to do that.”
Following the concerns raised by Sen. Varpilah, the Senate’s leadership announced that it will formally engage the Executive Branch to request a temporary suspension of all LTMI-related operations.
The Senate which has the oversight responsibility, will meet with the President to seek clarity on what exactly was signed, and what the implications are.
Commending, Protem Karngar Lawrence said any agreement affecting national revenue generation, data protection, and job security must be carefully vetted and inclusive of the views of the Liberian people.
The 25-year concession, signed earlier this year, reportedly grants LTMI exclusive control over several core government functions previously managed by the Ministry of Transport. These include vehicle registration, driver’s licensing, traffic law enforcement, toll collection, and vehicle inspections.
