By holding a well-known anti-corruption awareness workshop in Monrovia, the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has made a bold step in the fight against corruption in the maritime industry. The event, which had as its theme “Anti-Corruption Awareness in Maritime Traffic,” brought together industry players and officials from important government agencies to address structural inefficiencies that are impeding the sector’s expansion.
Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., LiMA’s Commissioner and CEO, issued a strong warning against corrupt practices that have hampered maritime operations, such as bribery and collusion, in his opening remarks. He claimed that these actions “erode trust, create bottlenecks, and deter much-needed investments.”
The workshop’s emphasis on implementable changes to improve governance and service delivery, in line with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.’s larger anti-corruption strategy, was underlined by Commissioner Cllr. Lighe Junior.
The one-day event was attended by important stakeholders, such as officials from the National Port Authority of Liberia (NPA), Liberia Immigration Services (LIS), Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), shipping lines, and other industry authorities. Discussions were led by maritime specialists who emphasized the dangers and remedies for corruption in the industry. LiMA’s Director of Safety Inspection, Survey & Audit, Emmanuel Mezoh Dolakeh, listed certain weaknesses, while General legislative Counsel Atty. Saidu Vasco Nyei provided further details on the legislative foundations that enable anti-corruption initiatives.
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LiMA’s Director of Finance and Comptroller, Michael Q. Cooper, gave a presentation on safety charge dues-related topics, stressing the need of open payment methods. In order to combat corruption, participants in interactive discussions suggested doable solutions like stricter oversight procedures and expedited payment procedures.
The workshop ended with a list of suggestions meant to increase operational effectiveness, promote moral behavior, and improve transparency in the maritime industry. It is anticipated that these actions will propel economic growth and establish Liberia as a world leader in maritime governance, upholding international best practices.
Assuring adherence to international best practices, this initiative is a component of ongoing efforts to establish Liberia as a global leader in maritime governance.
