By Godgift Harris
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Friday, December 19, commissioned the newly constructed, multi-million-dollar headquarters of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) in Sinkor, Monrovia.
Boakai called for sweeping reforms, stronger accountability and renewed discipline within the petroleum sector.
He described the new facility as a strategic investment intended to enhance NOCAL’s institutional capacity, coordination and operational efficiency.
Meanwhile, Pres. Boakai cautioned that modern infrastructure alone would not resolve the longstanding governance challenges facing the state-owned oil company.
“The effective management of our petroleum sector is critical to national development, energy security and economic growth.”
He challenged NOCAL to operate with transparency, professionalism, and results in line with international best practices.
Pres. Boakai called for concrete reforms, including improved corporate governance, stronger regulatory oversight, and increased technical capacity to ensure that oil and gas resources are managed in the public interest.
He urged NOCAL’s management, and staff to remain united, and avoid internal divisions that could undermine their mandate.
“To hold together is in the best interest of nation-building.”
Boakai added: “The government would not tolerate actions or practices that weaken public institutions or stall national development.”
He also underscored the need for closer collaboration among government agencies, private sector actors, and development partners to attract credible investment, modernize petroleum infrastructure, and stabilize the sector.
He said NOCAL must play a more active role in policy implementation, supply reliability and sector coordination.
The ceremony brought together senior government officials, members of the Legislature, representatives of the petroleum industry, development partners, and NOCAL staff.
Pres. Boakai acknowledged the contribution of NOCAL’s partners and construction firm BMC company in completing the headquarters, while also commending former and current company officials involved in the project.
The dedication comes against the backdrop of years of public criticism of NOCAL over transparency, governance failures, and the management of Liberia’s oil and gas resources.
Analysts say the President’s strong language on unity and accountability signals growing pressure on the company to deliver tangible reforms rather than symbolic achievements.
NOCAL President and Chief Executive Officer, Fabian M. Lai, thanked Pres. Boakai for the confidence placed in him, and pledged to align the company operations with the government development agenda.
He also expressed appreciation to NOCAL’s partners, and BMC for completing the project.
While government officials have hailed the new headquarters as a sign of institutional progress.
Critics argue that NOCAL’s credibility will ultimately depend on demonstrable improvements in governance, transparency and performance areas where the company has historically struggled.