By Frank P. Martin
MONROVIA: The National Bureau of Concessions (NDC) has endorsed a new five-year strategic plan to strengthen transparency, accountability, and oversight across Liberia's concession sector.
The NBC validated the Five-Year Strategic Plan (2026–2030) following a four-day retreat in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County, marking a significant step towards strengthening institutional governance and improving oversight of Liberia's concession sector.
Held under the theme, "Strengthening Institutional Governance through the Validation and Launch of Strategic and Policy Frameworks," and the motto, "Assuring Integrity and Compliance through Monitoring and Evaluation," the retreat brought together senior government officials, legislators, development partners, civil society organizations, concession stakeholders, and technical experts.
Participants reviewed and endorsed the bureau's strategic roadmap while approving several key policy and governance instruments designed to improve institutional performance and accountability.
Among the documents validated were the Human Resource Manual; Procurement Manual; Financial Manual; Compliance Framework; Standard Operating Procedures; Staff Handbook; Job Descriptions; and the Concession Scorecard and Compliance Review Analysis Tool.
Delivering the keynote address, NBC Director- General, Hanson S. Kiazolu described the Strategic Plan as a blueprint for transforming the institution and enhancing governance within Liberia's concession sector.
He said the plan prioritizes digital transformation, staff capacity development, decentralization of NBC operations, enhanced concession monitoring, and the construction of a permanent headquarters for the bureau.
Mr. Kiazolu emphasized that the reforms are intended to strengthen institutional capacity, promote responsible investment, and ensure Liberia derives greater economic and social benefits from its natural resources.
The retreat opened with remarks by Robertsport City Mayor, Thomas Bai Massaquoi, while public officials including lawmakers, development partners, and civil society commended the NBC for advancing reforms, aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and compliance.
The sector stakeholders pledged continued support for implementing the Strategic Plan, describing it as a critical framework for modernizing concession governance and fostering sustainable investment.
The retreat also featured technical sessions on a proposed Local Content Policy, which is expected to promote greater participation of Liberians in concession-related economic activities.
The validation of the Strategic Plan represents another milestone in the NBC's institutional reform agenda as it seeks to build a transparent, accountable, and results-oriented concession management system.
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