Monrovia, Liberia – In the face of several criticisms directed against Sekou Dukuly, the Managing Director of the National Port Authority, about the extent of poor performance at the entity, Director Dukuly has called the accusations “unfounded” and merely propaganda.
On Monday, March 17, 2025, Dukuly told reporters at NPA in Monrovia that he is concentrating more on President Joseph N. Boakai’s agenda and that the NPA will never remain the same under his direction.
“The NPA under our leadership will never remain the same, those claims you hear about the port are unfounded and we are not deterred because we are following President Boakai’s message of no business as usual.”
He claimed that in the first year following his months-long employment as Managing Director, the port was able to contribute US$3 million to the national budget.
The NPA outlined his accomplishments and acknowledged that the past 14 months had been challenging but worthwhile.
Director Dukuly clarified that when the Boakai government took over, all institutions had difficulties, including those related to infrastructure, legacy, recruiting, and outstanding debts, in addition to the NPA. He narrated that for the port to get back on the right track, the right people need to be hired and place in the right position.
Speaking about international cooperation, he revealed that the Chinese Embassy in Monrovia had successfully educated 25 of the organization’s staff in China, and that each of the 25 trained staff members is actively supporting the port.
The recipients, according to Dukuly, attended the Nimbo Polytechnic University in China, where they received training aimed at enhancing their technical proficiency in international port administration.
The Marine Service deal was the first important deal he mentioned while discussing the agreements he managed, stating, “We were able to review that agreement. It should have been examined in August 2023, I think.”
Director Dukuly told reporters that his leadership will concentrate on following the PFM statutes, which stipulate that NPA shall contribute from the dividend, when asked about his intentions for NPA in 2025.
“This means that we will wait for the dividend to be announced before paying the central government that share of the payout. He said, But once more, don’t forget about taxes that have been withheld from concessions.”
According to Director Dukuly, “people consider the port as a gateway when they consider their contribution to the national budget.” During my appearance before the Senate to discuss the budget, the senators informed me that they would evaluate the national port authority at a cost of around US$5.8 million. I responded that this assessment was not unsuccessful.”
