-To Drive Mining, Transport Growth
Monrovia, Liberia, February 23, 2026 -- The National Association for Railway Workers of Liberia (NARAWOL), acting on behalf of a broad political constituency, has formally petitioned the Legislature to enact a law establishing an independent Liberian National Railway Authority (LNRA) through amendments to the Executive Law, Title 12 of the Liberian Code of Laws Revised.
In a communication submitted to the Legislature, NARAWOL proposed "An Act to Amend Executive Law Title 12, Sub-Sections 37.1, 37.2, and 37.3 to Create an Agency Called the Liberian National Railway Authority (LNRA)." The group emphasized that the proposed legislation is critical to national development, particularly within the transportation and mining sectors.
"This Act to amend our Executive Law Title 12 is cardinal to both our Transportation Sector and our Mining Sector, as the movement of the proceeds of mined minerals and the movement of goods and services are crucial in our economic drive," the association stated.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
The letter, signed by Austin T. Irekpen Wariebi, Acting Chairperson of NARAWOL, argued that once enacted, the law would detach the LNRA from the Ministry of Transport and grant it the autonomy needed to efficiently manage Liberia's rail infrastructure. According to the association, such independence would significantly ease the transportation of goods and services nationwide.
NARAWOL further outlined an ambitious vision for rail expansion, noting that the LNRA would connect the Port of Royesville via rail through Bomi County, with extensions to Gbarpolu and Lofa counties, making the Wologisi Mountain area more attractive to investors.
The association also stressed the importance of zoning and mapping the Port of Buchanan, constructing additional railway tracks linking Bong and Nimba counties, and operationalizing the Dry Port of Ganta in Nimba County.
It added that geo-mapping and restructuring of the Port of Buchanan should accommodate major concessionaires, including HPX/Ivanhoe Atlantic Group, West Cross Mining Company of Liberia, AML Group, and the Port of Ganta.
Citing provisions of the proposed law, NARAWOL drew attention to Part IV, Sub-Section 15 of the LNRA Act on the "Transfer of Assets and Properties." The group insisted that all railway assets once owned or acquired following the departure of LAMCO, BMC, NIOC and LMC, and currently in use by AML, China Union, Bio-Chico and Western Cluster, should be transferred to the LNRA.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
"Every asset and property once owned and acquired through the departure of LAMCO, BMC, NIOC and LMC that are in use by AML, China Union, Bio-Chico and Western Cluster should be vacated and turned over to LNRA, as those assets and properties are our heritage," the proposal quoted.
NARAWOL concluded that the passage of the law would have far-reaching economic benefits. "It is our view that when this Act to amend Executive Law Title 12 is enacted into law, tens of thousands of jobs shall be created and hundreds of millions of dollars shall be paid in revenue, as evidenced by Ivanhoe Atlantic A&CA Section 20, as our capital development is of great concern," the association said.
The Liberian National Railway Authority currently operates under Executive Orders issued by the President of the Republic of Liberia, pending formal legislative action. The authority was first created on October 17, 2022, by former President George Manneh Weah, to oversee national rail infrastructure, including the strategic Yekepa-Buchanan railway corridor, and to promote modern, multi-user rail management.
On October 10, 2024, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai extended and refined that mandate, granting the Authority broader regulatory and policy powers. The mandate was further renewed and refocused on October 16, 2025, underscoring the LNRA's role in economic transformation, regional integration, and sustainable rail development, while tasking technical experts to prepare enabling legislation for legislative approval.
Although the LNRA currently functions by presidential authority, its long-term legal foundation is intended to be established through an Act of the Legislature, after which it would be formally embedded in the Liberian Code of Laws Revised.
