Monrovia, Liberia – The Director General of the National Bureau of Concessions (NBC), Hon. Hanson S. Kiazolu, has outlined a series of institutional reforms underway at the Bureau, stressing the government’s commitment to improving concession governance and ensuring that concession agreements bring greater benefits to the Liberian people.
Speaking Thursday on OK FM’s Morning Rush program, Kiazolu said the NBC has undergone significant transformation since he took office, with efforts focused on rebuilding the institution, strengthening accountability, and restoring public confidence in concession management.
According to the NBC Director General, the Bureau inherited several operational challenges, including weak administrative structures, poor internal coordination, and ineffective management systems. He said the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has provided the mandate for the NBC to embark on a comprehensive reform process aimed at creating a more transparent and efficient institution.
Kiazolu disclosed that the Bureau has introduced several internal measures, including improved staff coordination, regular management meetings, stronger financial and administrative controls, and the development of key policy documents such as Human Resource, Procurement, and Employee Manuals, which are currently before the Governance Commission for review and validation.
He also highlighted improvements in staff welfare, including transportation support and monthly rice assistance for employees. The NBC chief further revealed that the Bureau has acquired a new office facility currently undergoing renovation, with relocation expected once the work is completed.
The Director General praised Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan for his support toward the Bureau’s relocation efforts, while also noting that the institution has strengthened its workforce through capacity-building programs, improved fiscal discipline, and an increased national budget allocation.
Kiazolu announced that the NBC has completed a Five-Year Strategic Plan that will guide the institution’s operations and development priorities. The plan is expected to be formally launched following the Bureau’s 2026 Strategic Retreat.
On concession monitoring, the NBC boss revealed that the Bureau has finalized four comprehensive concession compliance reports, which will be submitted to the President, Vice President, and the National Legislature. He said the reports will later be made available to the public to promote transparency and informed decision-making.
He further disclosed plans to establish regional NBC offices across Liberia to improve monitoring of concession activities and strengthen engagement with communities affected by concession operations.
The Bureau, according to Kiazolu, is also pursuing digital transformation initiatives, including the creation of a new website and the introduction of digital systems for concession monitoring and reporting. He said NBC is working with development partners, including GIZ, to enhance institutional capacity and develop a concession performance scorecard.
As part of efforts to improve public awareness, Kiazolu announced that the NBC will soon launch “NBC Today,” a newspaper that will provide citizens with information on concession activities, compliance, and governance issues across the country.
Speaking on the importance of concession agreements, the NBC Director General emphasized that companies operating under concessions must fulfill their commitments, including providing employment opportunities, infrastructure development, education and health facilities, roads, and contributions to Social Development Funds (SDF) and County Development Funds (CDF). He warned that failure by concessionaires to meet their obligations often leads to public frustration and community protests.
Kiazolu also disclosed that the Bureau has recommended the review and possible renegotiation of some concession agreements where assessments show that existing terms may not adequately protect Liberia’s national interest.
He called for legislative reforms to strengthen the NBC’s authority and improve enforcement of concession obligations.
Concluding his remarks, the NBC Director General reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to building a modern and accountable agency capable of ensuring that Liberia’s natural resources and investment agreements generate sustainable benefits for citizens.
“The National Bureau of Concessions has turned a corner. From a challenging past, we are building a modern institution founded on teamwork, transparency, compliance, and service,” Kiazolu stated.
