Liberian Contractors Appeal President Boakai on Government Project Access

Liberian construction companies are spending money to remain registered, certified and ready for work, yet qualified firms continue to struggle to secure government projects, the Association of Liberian Construction Contractors (ALCC) has told President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. In a September 21, 2026, letter seeking presidential intervention, ALCC President Mrs. Kimberly K. Toure warned that limited access to public construction contracts threatens the survival of domestic businesses and the livelihoods of workers and suppliers who depend on them. "Our central appeal is that Liberian firms with proven ability should have a fair and meaningful place in building their own country," Toure wrote. "Their participation should be reflected not only in policy statements but also in actual contract opportunities, employment, skills development, business growth and the expansion of Liberia's domestic productive capacity." Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn The communication raises concerns that capable Liberian companies are struggling to benefit from public infrastructure spending, even when they possess the experience, personnel, equipment and financial capacity required to execute projects. "Our members have raised concerns that opportunities are frequently awarded to foreign owned companies, leaving capable Liberian firms with limited access to the public investment that should also contribute to the growth of domestic enterprises," she stated. Toure acknowledged the contribution of foreign investors and international contractors, including the capital, expertise and technical capacity they bring to major infrastructure projects. However, she argued that Liberia's infrastructure programme should also help qualified domestic businesses grow, create employment and retain more economic activity within the country. A central concern in the letter is the cost of maintaining a compliant construction business while contract opportunities remain uncertain. To illustrate the burden, Toure cited documentation dated September 18, 2026, from one locally owned construction company showing US$2,202.50 in direct registration and certification expenses. According to the letter, the amount comprised US$50 for a Liberia Business Registry business certificate, US$150 for Articles of Incorporation from the Ministry of Commerce, US$1,400 for Ministry of Public Works CCCS certificates, US$102.50 for a NASSCORP certificate and US$500 for PPCC vendor registration. Those expenses, she explained, exclude transportation and miscellaneous costs, as well as the broader financial demands of maintaining offices, paying employees, acquiring and maintaining equipment, preparing bids and travelling to project sites. The burden is particularly difficult for small and medium sized Liberian companies that must maintain compliance even when they have no active contracts. "These investments are made by Liberian entrepreneurs before they can benefit from any government contract," Toure wrote. "Yet compliance alone does not guarantee access to work." The ALCC president made clear that the association is seeking fair competition and meaningful participation, with contractors still needed to demonstrate their ability to perform. "Our appeal is not for standards to be lowered or for contracts to be awarded without merit," she stated. "We support competitive pricing, rigorous technical requirements, effective supervision and accountability for poor performance." Toure warned that the consequences of limited contract access reach beyond company owners. Construction businesses provide work for engineers, architects, surveyors, masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers and equipment operators. They also generate income for building material suppliers, transport operators, workshops, food vendors and other small businesses around project sites. "When a local contractor loses the ability to operate, the effects can move through this wider network. Workers lose i