By: Fiona Benson
The House of Representatives through its Hydrocarbon Committee has voted to summon the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) and the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) for contempt after both entities failed to honor an official invitation to appear before the Committee on Friday, October 17, 2025 in Monrovia.
Despite receiving prior notice, NOCAL and LPRC were absent from a scheduled acquaintance hearing held on October 17, 2025, without offering any formal excuse, the committee in it’s quest to ascertain information of how the sector work and how it can improve the live of the citizens has no other alternative but to summon LPRC & NOCAL for refusal.
In contrast, the Ministry of Public Works and the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) attended as requested, as lawmakers viewed the absence as a direct act of disrespect and an impediment to the legislative function of the committee.
In response, the House resolved that both NOCAL and LPRC must appear before the Committee, accompanied by their legal counsels on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM, to show cause why they should not be held in contempt.
The Chairman of the Committee on Hydrocarbon, Rep. Sam P. Jallah, emphasized the legislature’s constitutional authority to conduct oversight:
“The job of the legislature is to make laws and provide oversight. When institutions under the Executive branch refuse to honor our call, they are not just defying the committee—they are disrespecting the Liberian people” he added.
Rep. Jallah also reiterated the importance of transparency and accountability as Liberia prepares to expand activities in its emerging hydrocarbon sector, warning that “gone are the days” of noncompliance and institutional disregard for legislative oversight.
The House maintains that failure to comply with the new summons could result in further punitive actions in accordance with legislative rules and constitutional provisions.