PAYNESVILLE— The Association of Liberian Construction Contractors is calling on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to intervene in what it describes as the growing exclusion of qualified Liberian-owned construction firms from public infrastructure projects.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
In an open letter dated September 21 and signed by its President, Kimberly K. Toure, the Association said Liberian contractors continue to face difficulties securing government contracts, despite investing heavily in registration, certification, equipment, personnel, and other requirements to remain eligible.
The Association expressed concern that public infrastructure opportunities are frequently awarded to foreign-owned companies, leaving qualified local firms with limited access to projects they have the experience and capacity to execute.
“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,” the letter stated.
The ALCC clarified that it does not oppose foreign contractors, acknowledging their capital and expertise. However, it argued that Liberia’s infrastructure development agenda should also provide meaningful opportunities for domestic companies to grow, create jobs and retain wealth within the local economy.
US$2,202.50 Just to Stay Compliant
The ALCC highlighted the financial burden Liberian contractors face to maintain legal and regulatory compliance, even when they have no active government contracts.
Citing documentation dated September 18, 2026, from a locally owned construction firm, the Association said a company must spend at least US$2,202.50 in direct registration and certification fees alone.
The breakdown includes US$50 for a Liberia Business Registry business certificate, US$150 for Articles of Incorporation, US$1,400 for Ministry of Public Works CCCS certificates, US$102.50 for a NASSCORP certificate, and US$500 for Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) vendor registration.
The Association noted that these expenses exclude transportation, office maintenance, staff salaries, equipment acquisition and maintenance, bid preparation, and site visits.
Such costs, it said, place a significant burden on small and medium-sized Liberian firms that must maintain compliance while waiting for contract opportunities.
“These investments are made by Liberian entrepreneurs before they can benefit from any government contract. Yet compliance alone does not guarantee access to work,” the letter stated.
Wider Economic Impact
The ALCC warned that limiting local contractors’ access to public infrastructure projects could have consequences extending beyond individual businesses.
Construction companies, the Association noted, support a broad network of professionals and workers, including engineers, architects, surveyors, masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers and equipment operators.
They also generate business for building-material suppliers, transport operators, workshops, food vendors and other small enterprises.
“When local contractors collapse, workers lose income, suppliers lose customers, families struggle to pay school fees and rent, and government loses revenue from reduced formal employment,” the letter warned.
The Association further cautioned that without reasonable access to contracts, experienced local companies could lose skilled employees and equipment, creating a cycle in which they are considered too small for major projects while being denied the opportunities needed to expand.
ALCC Outlines Requests to Boakai
To address the concerns, the Association outlined several measures it wants the Boakai administration to consider, including full implementation of domestic preference and reservation measures when Liberian companies submit competitive bids, transparent review of Liberian firms’ participation and success rates in public procurement, procurement requirements proportionate to project size, including dividing large projects into manageable lots, and greater transparency through accessible procurement plans, evaluation criteria and contract award notices.
The Association called for access to financing and timely payment for certified work, including through engagement with commercial banks, properly structured joint ventures with clearly defined responsibilities and genuine skills transfer to Liberian partners.
The ALCC also requested a high-level meeting involving the Office of the President, the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the PPCC and the Association to develop a practical action plan.
“The nationality of a company should neither substitute for evidence of competence nor become a barrier to a qualified Liberian company’s participation,” Toure emphasized.
“Our central appeal is that Liberian firms with proven ability should have a fair and meaningful place in building their own country.”
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to high standards, competitive procurement, quality construction and accountability, expressing readiness to work with the government to improve performance and transparency in Liberia’s construction sector.
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