Liberia: Farmers Demand Executive Order 166 Repeal

• Liberia's Agriculture Minister, Dr. Alexander Nuetah, advised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Executive Order 166, which bans raw rubber exports.
• Local rubber farmers, led by Charles Bamakpeh of Meawon Liberia Inc., heavily criticize the order, claiming it cripples their businesses and leads to job losses.
• Farmers advocate for the repeal of Executive Order 166 and the dismissal of Minister Nuetah, favoring the previous Executive Order 151 which allowed exports with a fee.
• Critics allege the ban protects foreign concession companies and creates a foreign monopoly, while Minister Nuetah maintains it is the best path for the industry.
• The policy's implementation without a grace period has left warehouses overflowing and export contracts terminated, impacting thousands of smallholder farmers.

Lawyers advising clients in Liberia's agricultural or export sectors should closely monitor developments regarding Executive Order 166.

Liberia's agricultural sector is currently embroiled in a significant dispute following the implementation of Executive Order 166, which governs the exportation of raw rubber. The controversy intensified after Agriculture Minister Dr. Alexander Nuetah publicly acknowledged advising President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on the issuance of the order. This admission has drawn considerable criticism from local rubber farmers across the nation, who contend that the directive poses an existential threat to their livelihoods and businesses.

Among the most vocal critics is Mr. Charles Bamakpeh, the Chief Executive Officer of Meawon Liberia Incorporated. Bamakpeh has repeatedly voiced strong opposition to the presidential directive, which was officially signed on June 26, 2026. He asserts that the order is actively undermining the operations of local rubber farmers, leading to widespread economic hardship. His company, Meawon Liberia Inc., along with numerous other Liberian-owned enterprises, has reportedly been completely cut off from their markets, unable to fulfill international trade agreements.

Bamakpeh has highlighted several severe consequences attributed to the new policy. He reports that warehouses nationwide are now overflowing with unsold rubber, while long-standing export contracts have been abruptly terminated. This situation has forced thousands of smallholder farmers into dire circumstances, compelling them to sell their produce at significantly reduced prices merely to survive. The ripple effects extend to employment, with workers losing their jobs and farming families struggling to maintain their homes or afford their children's education.

The current Liberia raw rubber export policy under Executive Order 166 stands in stark contrast to its predecessor, Executive Order 151 Liberia. Bamakpeh champions the former policy, which permitted the export of unprocessed rubber upon payment of a US$150 fee per metric ton. He argues that this earlier system was instrumental in sustaining local businesses and simultaneously generated vital revenue for the government, thereby fostering growth within the local economy.

In his view, the new Liberia rubber export ban does not benefit ordinary Liberians. Instead, Bamakpeh alleges that Executive Order 166 primarily serves to protect foreign concession companies, effectively paving the way for a foreign monopoly over Liberia's crucial rubber sector. This perspective underscores the deep-seated concern among local stakeholders that the policy prioritizes external interests over domestic economic well-being.

During an appearance before the House Committee on Agriculture, convened to address the controversies surrounding the order, Minister Nuetah defended Executive Order 166. He informed lawmakers of the Lower Chamber of Liberia’s bicameral Legislature that the directive represented the optimal path forward for the industry. However, local farmers perceive this stance as a profound betrayal of trust, accusing the Minister of siding with foreign interests.

Consequently, farmers are not only demanding the Liberia Executive Order 166 repeal but also calling for the immediate dismissal of Minister Alexander Nuetah. They urge President Boakai to appoint a new minister who would prioritize the business interests of local farmers. Bamakpeh further criticized the abrupt implementation of the ban, noting that it was imposed without any grace period, despite the Ministry of Agriculture's awareness that local exporters held substantial existing stocks. He also accused Minister Nuetah of being confrontational with farmers and seeking foreign investors abroad while simultaneously suppressing Liberian businesses domestically, suggesting the Minister operates with 'executive shielding' to the detriment of the nation's rubber industry.

The ongoing dispute over Executive Order 166 carries significant implications for Liberia's agricultural sector and broader economy. The policy's perceived negative impact on smallholder farmers, coupled with the termination of international trade agreements, highlights potential disruptions to the nation's export capabilities and the livelihoods of thousands. The call for the Liberia Executive Order 166 repeal underscores a fundamental disagreement over the direction of the country's raw rubber export policy and who stands to benefit from it.

Lawyers advising clients in Liberia's agricultural or export sectors should closely monitor developments regarding Executive Order 166. Its potential repeal or legal challenge could fundamentally alter raw rubber export regulations, significantly impacting business operations, supply chains, and existing international trade agreements. The outcome of this debate will shape the future landscape for rubber producers and exporters in Liberia, determining whether local businesses can regain their footing or if foreign entities will indeed dominate the market, as critics fear.

Lawyers advising clients in Liberia's agricultural or export sectors should monitor developments regarding Executive Order 166, as its potential repeal or legal challenge could significantly alter raw rubber export regulations and impact business operations and international trade agreements.

Source: Original reporting via FrontPage Africa