President Boakai Dedicates LPRC Facilities, Breaks Ground for US$35 Million Expansion
This project reflects the Government determination to restore and advance a better future by ensuring a reliable energy supply amid recurring supply disruptions and market uncertainties.
The construction of this facility demonstrates the NPRC’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and strengthening its capacity to serve the Liberian people and significantly increase petroleum storage capacity, improve inventory management, support national emergency preparedness, and stimulate local business.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Boakai added that the investments would strengthen Liberia’s energy security, improve petroleum quality assurance, and expand national storage capacity while reducing Liberia’s vulnerability to international supply disruptions and fluctuating petroleum prices. “Our transportation system, agricultural utilities, mining operations, industrial businesses, and essential public services all depend on the reliable availability of petroleum products.” he said.
The President said the US$35 million expansion would add 50,000 metric tons of commercial petroleum storage capacity, supported by automated systems, improved infrastructure, and enhanced safety facilities.
He revealed that the project will introduce Liberia’s first petroleum marine back-loading capacity for transferring petroleum products onto vessels for coastal and regional distribution, coastal defense infrastructure and land reclamation to protect the national assets.
The Liberian Leader averred that the LPRC’s share of national petroleum storage capacity is expected to rise from approximately 25 percent at the beginning of his administration to about 50 percent when the expansion is completed.
“Our objective is to strengthen Liberia’s energy security, improve national economic resilience, and create the conditions for greater investment, productivity, and prosperity,” he said, adding that the projects were expected to create jobs and develop technical skills for Liberians.
He continued by asserting that the marine back-loading facility could create opportunities for Liberia to participate in regional petroleum storage and distribution, using its location along the West African coast. However, he stressed that the investments must deliver measurable benefits through economic growth, employment, improved energy security, and better livelihoods.
President Boakai called on the LPRC Board and management to maintain the completed facilities and execute the expansion with financial discipline, technical quality, environmental responsibility, and operational safety. “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, emphasizing accountability in public institutions.
The President commended Board Chairman Aaron Weah, the board members, Managing Director Amos B. T. Tweh, and LPRC employees for their contributions. He also urged LUTEC Engineering, the implementing partner for the expansion project, to uphold professionalism, quality, and timely execution.
“We may be a terrible country, but we demand the highest standard of our people,” he said, thanking the Legislature and other stakeholders for supporting national development investments.
