Monrovia, Liberia — Prolonged government delays in finalizing a critical multi-user rail access agreement with High Power Exploration (HPX) are putting millions of dollars in investments at risk, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The delays, attributed to the lack of formal negotiations by the Interministerial Concessions Committee (IMCC), are hindering crucial infrastructure projects and potentially diverting significant economic opportunities away from Liberia.
HPX, a US based corporation, submitted a draft Access and Concession Agreement to the Government seeking to confirm its access rights to Liberia’s rail and port infrastructure from Yekepa to Buchanan. Despite the straightforward nature of the agreement, the Government has failed to progress any discussions with HPX.
This inaction has led to a stalemate, with HPX warning that it may be forced to consider alternative export routes through Guinea. Such a move would result in Liberia losing HPX as a cornerstone user of the existing rail and port infrastructure and, consequently, the planned Liberty Corridor—an economic development project with significant implications for the region.
HPX has emphasized the urgent need for the Liberian government to finalize the rail access agreement and extend Executive Order 112, which would establish the National Rail Authority (NRA). Despite President Boakai’s stated commitment to the NRA, there has been little progress on this front. HPX has even offered financial support to assist in launching the NRA, highlighting the regulatory body’s critical role in governing multi-user infrastructure access.
The delays have also drawn criticism from the Guinean government, which has formally requested HPX to join the Trans Guinean Rail (TGR) project for exporting iron ore. The Guinean Ministry of Mines and Geology has made it clear that it no longer supports exporting iron ore through Liberia due to the ongoing delays, further complicating Liberia’s position.
HPX is urging immediate government action to finalize the rail access agreement and confirm the establishment of the NRA. Failure to do so, the company warns, could severely jeopardize Liberia’s role in the export of iron ore and the overall development of the Liberty Corridor.
With time running out, the stakes have never been higher for Liberia to secure its economic future by swiftly finalizing these critical infrastructure agreements.
The Government of Liberia is caught in the middle.
I think Acerlor mittal is the hold up for this agreement, due to the right they have over the rail as per the agreement signed.
But this is about job, infrastructure, as well as income for Liberia.
The government needs to negotiate a deal with Acerlor Mittal asap, before this opportunity slips away.
This is all about strengthening the Liberian economy and its citizens. The government of Liberia has to do something by confirming the agreement with HPX. Your people are suffering. Let the government see reason to sign this agreement fast so that its people can get job and kettle to their families
We are welcoming this project
I wish the government of Liberia negotiate to Foster the needs and growth of our economy
Why is it that the Government don’t want to sign this document! Please Mr.President
We need this for the sake of our country development and job opportunity for us the young people!!!! I know you want the best for your citizens!! But please do ur best.
My comments is that we should have Liberia first on heart and forget about individuals cause they are not Liberia. Together we stand divided we fall so be it fellow Liberian
Hope the government does the needful. This project posed a significant boast to our economy
I support muti use of the rail by PHX
That will brings more employment in our country mama Liberia
On behave of nation Liberia, I sincerely apologize for this delay. It’s my hope that the authority responsible for the finalization of the agreement with HPX take Immediate action. Liberia can’t afford losing this blessing.
HPX must use the Liberia route, it hard time that the Government of Liberia do the needful.
We need serious minded company like HPX to help fix this third world country, I really don’t know where our so called leaders heart are.
We are calling on president Boakai to quickly respond to HPX request.