MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has dedicated a modern petroleum product testing laboratory and a 12,800-metric-ton petroleum storage tank at the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), while breaking ground for a US$35 million project to expand and modernize the company’s petroleum storage terminal.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
The investments are intended to strengthen Liberia’s energy security, increase national petroleum storage capacity, and reduce the country’s vulnerability to international supply disruptions and fluctuations in petroleum prices.
The government says the projects reflect its determination to improve the reliability of petroleum supplies amid recurring disruptions and uncertainties in the global energy market. The new facilities are also expected to enhance petroleum quality assurance, improve inventory management, strengthen emergency preparedness, and stimulate local business activities.
US$35 Million Project to Add 50,000 Metric Tons of Storage Capacity
Speaking at the dedication and groundbreaking ceremony, President Boakai said the expansion would add 50,000 metric tons of commercial petroleum storage capacity, supported by automated systems, upgraded infrastructure, and enhanced safety facilities.
He disclosed that the project would also introduce Liberia’s first petroleum marine back-loading facility, allowing petroleum products to be transferred onto vessels for coastal and regional distribution. The development will include coastal defense infrastructure and land reclamation intended to protect national assets.
According to the President, LPRC’s share of Liberia’s national petroleum storage capacity is expected to increase from approximately 25 percent at the beginning of his administration to about 50 percent upon completion of the expansion.
Boakai emphasized that reliable petroleum supplies remain essential to the country’s economic activities, including transportation, agriculture, mining, industrial production, and the delivery of essential public services.
“Our transportation system, agricultural utilities, mining operations, industrial businesses, and essential public services all depend on the reliable availability of petroleum products,” he said.
President Sees Opportunities for Regional Petroleum Trade
President Boakai said the planned marine back-loading facility could position Liberia to participate more actively in regional petroleum storage and distribution by leveraging the country’s strategic location along the West African coast.
He noted that the investments were expected to create employment opportunities, develop technical skills among Liberians, and support increased economic activity.
“Our objective is to strengthen Liberia’s energy security, improve national economic resilience, and create the conditions for greater investment, productivity, and prosperity,” the President said.
However, he stressed that the success of the projects must be measured by their tangible contributions to economic growth, job creation, improved energy security, and better living conditions for Liberians.
Boakai Urges Accountability and Quality Standards
The Liberian leader called on the LPRC Board and management to ensure the proper maintenance of the newly dedicated facilities and the successful implementation of the expansion project.
He urged the company to uphold financial discipline, technical quality, environmental responsibility, and operational safety throughout the construction process.
“The success of these investments must ultimately be measured by their contribution to economic growth, employment opportunities, national energy security, and improved livelihoods for our Liberian people,” he said, underscoring the importance of accountability in public institutions.
President Boakai commended LPRC Board Chairman Aaron Weah, members of the board, Managing Director Amos B. T. Tweh, and employees of the company for their contributions to the development of the facilities.
He also challenged LUTEC Engineering, the implementing partner for the expansion project, to maintain high standards of professionalism, ensure quality construction, and complete the work on time.
“We may be a terrible country, but we demand the highest standard of our people,” the President said, while thanking the Legislature and other stakeholders for supporting investments aimed at advancing national development.
