MONROVIA, Liberia — President of the National Customs Brokers Association of Liberia (NCBAL), James L. Hinneh, has called for stronger industry input as the National Port Authority (NPA) conducts a review of Liberia’s Port Master Plan and applicable tariff structures.
Hinneh made the NCBAL’s position known during a validation program organized by the NPA, bringing together representatives from the customs, shipping, logistics, business, and trade sectors to examine the country’s port development framework and tariff arrangements.
The review comes at a critical point for Liberia’s trade sector, where port efficiency, operating costs, service delivery, and the movement of goods remain important considerations for businesses and customs operators.
Representing customs brokers, Hinneh emphasized the need for policies and tariff structures that are practical, transparent, predictable, and responsive to the realities of businesses operating within Liberia’s port environment.
He also underscored the importance of ensuring that those directly involved in customs clearance and trade facilitation have an opportunity to contribute to decisions that affect port operations and the overall cost of doing business.
The Port Master Plan provides a framework for the development and management of Liberia’s port infrastructure and services. Its review presents an opportunity to examine current arrangements, address operational challenges, and consider measures that can improve efficiency across the sector.
For the NCBAL, effective port management is closely linked to the smooth movement of goods, timely customs clearance, business competitiveness, and the broader performance of Liberia’s trading system.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to working with the NPA, government agencies, private-sector operators, and other relevant institutions on policies affecting customs brokerage and trade facilitation.
NCBAL said it will continue to provide industry perspectives and technical input on measures that can promote transparent tariff administration, efficient port services, stronger trade facilitation, and a more competitive business environment.
The ongoing review is expected to provide an avenue for incorporating practical recommendations from industry participants as Liberia considers the future direction of its port infrastructure and tariff framework.
