The Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA), Ms. Martida Parker and the Chairman of the Board of Directors have differed over the US$1.7 million concession agreement for the reconstruction and modernization of the Free Port of Monrovia for a period of twenty Five years.

The Government of Liberia and APM Terminal signed a US$1.7 million agreement for the reconstruction and modernization of the Free Port of Monrovia for a period of twenty Five years.

Addressing a public hearing at the joint hearing of the House and the Senate's Contract and Monopoly, State Enterprise, Public Procurement and Concession and Judiciary Committees, Madam Parker said the status of employees of NPA is not defined under the concession.

She said although the contract provides US$2 million to cover employees' benefit, it did not address job security for employees and failed to clearly state whether the employees will be retained on the job after APM Terminal takes over port .

She furthered that the US$2m in the agreement for employees are insufficient to cover benefits, severance package and other benefits for workers.

Madam Parker also wants portion of the agreement that gives the concessionaire thirty-mile radius in the concession area to be removed as it stands to jeopardize national security. She noted that the inclusion of Marine Service in the concession also poses grave security concerns for the nation.

Madam Parker said though she was left out during the signing ceremony, she wants changes be made to protect the country's interest.

For his part, the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Maritime Commissioner, Beyan Kesseley differed with Madam Parker's claims. He said the thirty-mile radius exclusivity does not have negative security impact on the country, but affords the concessionaire the opportunity to have a secure environment to carry on its investment.

On the issue of job security, Commissioner Kesseley assured that the interest of employees will not be compromise, but wants Liberians to welcome the agreement in the interest of the country.