President Boakai Signs Executive Order #136 Establishing the National Railway Authority (NRA)
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has issued Executive Order No. 136, extending the provisions of Executive Order No. 112 and reaffirming the Government of Liberia’s commitment to the development and enhancement of the country’s rail infrastructure.
This Executive Order, which takes immediate effect, establishes the National Railway Authority (NRA) to oversee and manage Liberia’s national rail assets, ensuring the efficient and equitable use of rail infrastructure by all stakeholders, particularly in the mining sector and for the transportation of passengers and goods.
Executive Order No. 112, originally issued on 17 October 2022, has expired without the passage of the National Rail Authority Act by the National Legislature.
In response, the President is taking swift action in extending the Executive Order, enabling the establishment of the NRA to regulate and manage Liberia’s rail infrastructure in accordance with international best practices.
Key Provisions of Executive Order No. 136:
- Establishment of the National Railway Authority:
The NRA is tasked with developing policies and governance rules for managing the country’s rail assets, including both above-rail and below-rail infrastructure. - Appointment of Rail Regulators:
The NRA will procure the services of qualified rail regulators to oversee the use, operation, and development of the rail infrastructure, ensuring safe, efficient, and equitable access for eligible users. - Staffing and Leadership:
The NRA will be staffed with key officials, including a Managing Director, Deputy Managing Director for Administration, and Deputy Managing Director for Operations, who will be appointed by the President of Liberia. - Funding through User Fees:
The operations of the NRA will be funded by fees levied against users of Liberia’s national railway assets. - Proposing Legislation:
The NRA will also be responsible for drafting a National Rail Authority Act, which will be submitted to the National Legislature for passage into law. - Dispute Resolution:
Any disputes arising from the implementation of this Executive Order will be resolved through arbitration under the rules of the Liberian Chamber of Commerce and in accordance with Liberian law.
President Boakai reiterated the Government’s commitment to the core principles of fair and well-regulated access to rail infrastructure, promoting development while respecting existing agreements with eligible users.
He pointed out that this extension aligns with the Government’s broader goal of enhancing national rail assets for both economic growth and public benefit.
This Executive Order underscores the Government’s dedication to fostering a robust rail infrastructure that supports Liberia’s growing mining sector, enhances the transportation of goods and passengers, and strengthens the national economy.
