Cites Security and Economic Risks
By: Sampson W Weah – sampsonwweah7@gail.com
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – Senator Momo Tarnuekollie Cyrus of Lofa County, Chair of the Senate Committee on Defense, Security, Intelligence, and Veteran Affairs, has sharply criticized the Liberian government’s decision to outsource vehicle registration and driver’s license services to Liberia Traffic Management (LTM), a foreign-controlled company.
Speaking on ELBC Radio Monday morning, Senator Cyrus described the agreement as a “serious error in judgment” that undermines Liberia’s national security, economic sovereignty, and self-reliance.
“No self-respecting nation allows a foreign company to handle crucial identification and vehicle regulation duties,” he stated. “This decision leaves Liberia vulnerable to data breaches and weakens our control over vital transportation systems.”
Signed in 2019, the contract grants LTM authority over core functions such as biometric data management, GPS tracking, identity verification, and vehicle monitoring. Senator Cyrus argued that these sensitive responsibilities are critical to national security, including counter-terrorism efforts, policing, and border protection—and should remain under the exclusive control of Liberian institutions.
On the financial side, the Senator criticized the revenue-sharing arrangement that allocates 70% of all income from vehicle registrations, licenses, and roadworthiness certificates to LTM. He highlighted that the deal lacks a minimum revenue guarantee, profit controls, or clear measures to ensure Liberia benefits proportionately.
“This agreement essentially gives away valuable national income while Liberia retains the bulk of the operational burden,” he said. He further noted that major functions and revenue streams have been stripped from the Ministry of Transport and the Liberia National Police.
Senator Cyrus also expressed concern about the reported displacement of more than 200 Liberian workers, mostly from the Ministry of Transport and the LNP, labeling the decision “economically irresponsible and morally wrong,” particularly amid Liberia’s ongoing unemployment crisis.
He called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to immediately suspend the agreement and order a comprehensive legislative review.
“We must ask the hard questions: Who vetted this company? Under what legal framework was this deal signed? Why is there no transparency, oversight, or data protection for our citizens and economy?” he demanded.
