ANTWERP, Belgium – Liberia’s Maritime Commissioner, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., has rallied Liberians at home and abroad to seize the growing opportunities within the country’s maritime sector, which he described as a powerful driver of trade, commerce, and national development.

Speaking during the European Federation of Liberian Associations (EFLA) Annual General Assembly and Liberia’s 178th Independence Day celebration in Antwerp, Belgium, Commissioner Lighe emphasized the urgent need for Liberian investors to take the lead in shaping the maritime economy.

“To put it bluntly, the Liberia Maritime Sector needs Liberian investors!” he declared. “We need a healthy investment climate that will see Liberians play a dominant role. The opportunities are in abundance, and as a government and sector leader, we are committed to providing a smooth path and easy processing for Liberian investors.”

Commissioner Lighe highlighted the critical role the maritime sector plays in Liberia’s economic development, noting that it has long served as a vital source of national revenue, skills development, and global engagement.

“Proceeds from our maritime program have contributed significantly to our national budget and supported education and skills development in marine engineering, nautical science, shipping logistics, and more,” he said.

Lighe, called on Liberians to explore diverse investment areas, including trucking, warehousing, human resource development, cargo handling, ship supply, bunkering services, dry docking, and short sea shipping between major Liberian ports like Monrovia, Buchanan, Greenville, and Harper.

“The maritime sector provides a playing field for investments across all scales,” Lighe added. “What separates most of us in Liberia from you in the diaspora is the ocean, something very dear to us. But it is also your gateway to invest and contribute to Liberia’s growth.”

Lighe recounted Liberia’s brief but impactful experience with offshore oil exploration, lamenting the missed economic opportunities due to a lack of local capacity.

“When multinational oil firms like Chevron and African Petroleum began operations offshore, Liberia lacked the trained workforce and local companies to meet the demand for services; even marine waste was exported to Ghana for processing,” he said. “We cannot afford to miss out again.”

He also encouraged investments in ship chandelling, marine eco-tourism, marine insurance, and port reception services, all of which, he said, would create jobs and stimulate economic activity.

Highlighting security and international recognition, Lighe underscored Liberia’s strong presence at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London and the role of the Liberia Maritime Authority in protecting the nation’s coastal and marine environments against threats such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing.

He praised the launch of Liberia’s first post-war state-of-the-art maritime training institute in Marshall, Margibi County, and ongoing partnerships with global institutions such as the World Maritime University in Sweden and the International Maritime Law Institute in Malta.

“We have developed a Five-Year Strategic Plan to guide our programs, and we are focused on goal-driven, financially guided initiatives that will bring sustainable impact,” Commissioner/CEO Lighe noted.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment under President Joseph Boakai to support Liberian entrepreneurs and investors. “The government has its arms wide open. Liberia needs businesses that create decent jobs and contribute to a better quality of life for our people.”

Commissioner Lighe’s message to the diaspora was clear: the time to invest in Liberia’s maritime future is now.

SEOUL, South Korea – The Commissioner/CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., held high-level discussions on Thursday with executives of Make Group in Seoul, South Korea.

The meeting, held at Make Group’s corporate office in Seoul, focused on plans for the construction of a dry dock facility in Liberia, the development of small- and medium-sized vessels, and the introduction of modern ferry operations. 

These initiatives are expected to improve vessel maintenance, promote coastal connectivity, and enhance regional transport efficiency.

“Partnerships like these are essential for unlocking Liberia’s maritime potential and creating thousands of jobs,” said Cllr. Lighe, Sr. “We are looking to South Korea not only for investment, but also for knowledge-sharing and long-term cooperation that can drive sustainable development. 

This reflects our government’s commitment to unlocking the Blue Economy and positioning Liberia as a strategic maritime hub in West Africa.”

The discussions follow an initial engagement held at the Liberia Maritime Authority Headquarters in Monrovia on February 26, 2025, where both parties explored investment opportunities to strengthen Liberia’s maritime infrastructure, enhance workforce capacity through training, and expand inland water transport services.

Liberia—home to one of the world’s largest and most prestigious open registries, known for its rigorous safety standards and commitment to regulatory compliance—continues to leverage its global maritime stature in a bid to foster local development. 

The proposed dry dock facility would allow the country to handle ship repairs and maintenance domestically—an essential step toward industrial self-reliance and cost savings for operators under the Liberian flag.

The ongoing talks come amid a renewed diplomatic push between Liberia and South Korea, following the participation of the President of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., in the Korea-Africa Summit held in Seoul in June 2024.

Make Group, a South Korean conglomerate known for its expertise in shipbuilding and marine logistics, expressed strong interest in expanding its footprints in West Africa, citing Liberia’s strategic location and pro-business policy environment.

If finalized, the agreement could usher in a new wave of maritime innovations and connectivity in Liberia—particularly through the introduction of safe and efficient ferry transport linking coastal communities and supporting the country’s economic decentralization agenda.

These engagements are part of Liberia’s broader strategy to expand its influence in the global maritime industry.

Monrovia — The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) family welcomed Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr. as its new Commissioner/CEO at a very brief ceremony on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Corporate Headquarters of the institution.

In succinct remarks, Commissioner/CEO Cllr. Lighe indicated that he had taken on this new task to work in the country’s interest and to build on what he had just inherited. He stressed that he is a dynamic person – a man of action, one who expects results – and not a man of many words. He pointed out that his administration would require professionalism, hard work, respect, and punctuality, but nothing based on mere friendship. He further emphasized that developing and maintaining professional behavior would be an essential factor in attaining success during his administration.

“The way we conduct ourselves, relate to one another, and approach our tasks all amounts to professionalism”, the new Commissioner added.

Commissioner Lighe then thanked the LiMA team for all the good work that they did over the years to keep the institution viable both here and abroad. He encouraged the workforce to continue to do the work at hand.

Earlier, while welcoming the new LiMA Boss, the Principal Director for Administration and Legal Services, Cllr. Nya S. Gbaintor encouraged the staff to continue working diligently while awaiting the new Commissioner’s strategic direction and guidance.

“Sir, this team is ready to work with you. We are a responsible and skilled team – waiting to work assiduously to ensure the accomplishment of your vision,” Cllr. Gbaintor said.

In remarks, the Officer-In-Charge and Deputy Commissioner for Financial Affairs, Emmanuel N. Reeves recognized and expressed his profound thanks and appreciation to the technical and administrative staff for their support during the transition period.

While welcoming Commissioner Lighe, Deputy Commissioner Reeves declared the affairs at LiMA good and averred that Commissioner Lighe has a talented, professional, and dedicated staff to work with.  “We want to personally welcome you; we will follow your lead to ensure that this program and our national heritage remain vital,” the Deputy Commissioner said.