Paynesville, Liberia – Fabian Michael Lai, President and CEO of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), has urged other SOEs in the Boakai administration to increase their investments in national development. Speaking during the dedication ceremony of a new public bathroom facility in Paynesville City on Friday, August 14, 2026, CEO Fabian Michael Lai stated that health and dignity should be used to measure national development rather than just GDP growth and megawatts.
According to Lai, the project is a part of NOCAL’s larger commitment to corporate social responsibility, calling on other State-Owned Enterprises ought to follow suit. “Megawatts, metric tons, and GDP growth are frequently used when discussing national progress. However, we are talking about dignity today. We’re talking about health. We are talking about respect for the people who make up the foundation of our everyday economy, the marketers and residents of this community.”
According to the NOCAL Boss, the community has long struggled with inadequate sanitation, which has resulted in the abuse of public areas and created health risks. “This was an intolerable burden for people who come here to sell goods, reside here, or just go about their everyday lives,” according to Lai.
CEO used the occation to urged other State-Own Enterprises to collaborate in providing necessary public infrastructure. “Today, I extend an invitation and a challenge to my colleagues who are in charge of other State-Owned Enterprises. We have the means, the know-how, and the model for success. I urge you to join us. Let’s work together to guaranty that our people have access to these vital facilities.”
He emphasized that national development must go in a single direction and have a real impact on the lives of regular Liberians. Marketers, locals, and community members in Paynesville who previously had access to adequate sanitation are anticipated to benefit from the new bathroom facility.
According to NOCAL officials, the project is in line with the company’s mission to directly improve public health and community welfare in addition to oil and gas operations. The commitment coincides with mounting demands for SOEs to increase their involvement in community development and service provision throughout Liberia.
