Reported by: Prince Saah
Monrovia, Liberia—The Liberian government has launched what authorities call one of the country’s most ambitious aviation reform programs in decades with the official commissioning of a project team to pursue international accreditation for Roberts International Airport (RIA). This action shows a fresh determination to reinstate Liberia as a hub for regional aviation.
During the launch on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Liberia’s Transport Minister, Sirleaf Tyler, underlined that the international airport certification represents the country’s dedication to safety, quality, connection, and operational dependability.
“We are ready and we are back, stressing that airport certification would guarantee passengers world-class service, improved safety standards, and operational efficiency,” the minister added.
He said that a specially chosen steering committee will be formed to oversee the certification procedure and guarantee complete adherence to international aviation regulations.
According to Ernest Hughes, managing director of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), the project is a national endeavor that is in line with President Joseph Boakai’s development goal. Director Hughes stated that the initiative is about people, not just infrastructure and compliance, when he commissioned the certification project team.
He described the team members as “the next generation of aviation leaders,” claiming that their selection was based more on competency and future leadership potential than seniority. “The newly commissioned team will undergo technical training in airport operations, safety and security compliance, emergency management, international best practices, project management, and certification procedures,” he added.
Julius D. Dennis Jr., director general of the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA), called for more general demand for sectoral reforms, cautioning that Liberia must immediately address long-standing flaws found in earlier foreign aviation assessments. Liberia’s immediate goal, according to the head of the LCAA, is to raise its aviation implementation score from roughly 27.5 percent to at least 75 percent, which is the minimum globally accepted norm.
Liberia’s aviation aspirations, according to him, go beyond airport certification. “In the coming years, Liberia will possess a world-class aviation sector that serves as an economic catalyst,” Director Dennis said.
The chairman of the LCAA also emphasized that aviation changes are in line with worldwide sustainability objectives, continental integration initiatives, and national development ambitions. He also cautioned that greater collaboration between regulators, airport operators, security services, customs officials, legislators, and foreign partners would be necessary for success. “The sky above us does not recognize political boundaries, institutional silos, nor individual agendas,” Dennis narrated.
Speaking on behalf of the Senate leadership, Speaker Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Senate Pro-Temp, called for changes and criticized the lack of women on the eight-person steering group. Senator Lawrence declared her unwavering support for aviation changes, indicating that aviation continues to be one of the legislature’s top reform goals. “The airport is the gateway, and the image of our country starts from there,” she noted.
Samuel Stevquoah, representing President Joseph Boakai, stressed that the administration considers airport infrastructure to be a key national asset. According to him, the president believes that aviation is essential to international engagement, investment, tourism, trade, and innovation, and he completely supports the project. “Airports are gateways to trade, investment, tourism, commerce, innovation, and international engagement,” Stevquoah said.
The Chief of Staff of the President’s Office also emphasized that changes should eventually be extended to rural airports throughout Liberia rather than only Roberts International Airport. Additionally, he reminded aviation authorities that certification should not be a stand-alone effort but rather a component of a larger national aviation master plan. Speaking to foreign partners, Stevquoah emphasized local ownership of the project while thanking aviation consultants and development partners for supporting Liberia’s efforts.
