Liberia Sets Enterprising Energy Agenda, As Minister Paye Outlines Boakai’s 2025 Vision

 Monrovia-Minister of Mines and Energy, Wilmot Paye, has called on Liberians to “own up” to their country’s energy future, emphasizing that Liberia’s development should be guided by uniquely Liberian priorities rather than global standards.

 Addressing energy sector stakeholders at a workshop in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Minister Paye highlighted the urgent importance of finalizing the revised National Energy Policy (NEP), a key component of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s 2025 legislative agenda.

The Minister highlighted that this policy overhaul is critical to driving Liberia’s development goals and meeting the country’s unique energy needs.

Originally enacted in 2009, the NEP has seen several updates over the years, reflecting Liberia’s evolving energy priorities.

The current review, the Minister noted, incorporates fresh insights and recommendations from diverse energy sector representatives.

The policy revision was praised as a collaborative effort, with Minister Paye applauding stakeholders for their valuable contributions over the three-day workshop, which included inputs aimed at both policy and regulatory improvements.

In addition to the NEP, the session also addressed potential amendments to Liberia’s Mining Law of 2000 and a review of the 2015 Electricity Law, which grants the Ministry of Mines and Energy its sector-lead status.

Minister Paye also encouraged Liberians to approach the policy revisions with a self-driven mindset, stressing the importance of tailoring Liberia’s energy strategy to the nation rather than global templates. “Liberia is unique, and no other country can be ‘Liberia,’” he said, urging local professionals to take ownership of development efforts and to drive initiatives that reflect Liberia’s distinct goals and challenges.

One of the most notable outcomes of the workshop was the establishment of an annual technical review to track the NEP’s implementation progress, addressing past issues where policies struggled without regular assessments. This annual review mechanism will aim to keep the policy adaptive and responsive to Liberia’s ongoing energy demands.

Representatives from key organizations, including the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) and the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), lauded the collaborative spirit and coordination of the Mines and Energy Ministry. Cllr. Minnie Paegar-Kallon from LERC and Rixck Barsigiah, NOCAL’s Vice President for Technical Services, both echoed the need for high-level participation in such policy frameworks to reinforce dedication to Liberia’s national goals.

Under the oversight of Deputy Minister for Energy Charles Umehai, Liberia’s energy sector is poised for robust policy development that aligns with the President’s vision for a sustainable and self-sufficient energy future.