LAGOS/MONROVIA: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has directed the newly appointed Director-General of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), to commence, with immediate effect, the total upgrade of the Monrovia Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRMRCC), to elevate its standards and aimed at meeting international expectations.
MRMRCC focuses on safety of maritime activities in Liberia’s coastal waters, exclusive zones, and in international waters, conducting 24/7 operational activities.
The newly appointed DG, LiMA, Neto Lighe, recently did an extensive working tour to the MRMRCC, to inform personnel on President Boakai’s directive to elevate its standing procedures.
Liberia is the leading offshore vessel operator in the international high seas, with country’s national flag on international vessels across major sea ports.
The use of the country’s national flag in international trade and commerce, is a major revenue earner to the Liberia’s treasury.
Realizing the potential, President Boakai has now focused on Maritime’s operational development, particularly safety and inspection standards of vessels, to meet international standards.
LiMA is a major revenue spinner of the government. The country’s flag is flown on major commercial ships anchoring on major sea ports in the world.
Since he came to power on 22, January, 2024, President Boakai has pursued major reforms to beef up revenues and scale down corruption through the blocking of leakages and elimination of ghost workers from state payroll.
Recently, Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) held a retreat to formulate a multi-year strategic plan that will guide the institution’s operations for over five years, (2024-2029).
The gathering got underway on April 4, 2024, with a two-day ‘Strategic Working Retreat in Ganta’, Nimba County, under the theme: “Rethinking and Setting the Agenda for a Vibrant Maritime Sector”.
Commissioner/CEO of LiMA, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., during his special remarks said, he envisions that a new strategy that would seek to dedicate tasks to specific people and departments with fixed timelines and not a loose venture.
“We will be more specific on how we dedicate tasks. For example, we will know who to check on regarding a particularly targeted goal and all monitor the activities,” stressed.
“It is not just going to be opened. As we complete this strategy, we will be assigning tasks from time to time and do regular follow-ups. So, for the next two days, let’s pay attention and take this retreat as a normal working time that must be taken seriously,” he said.
He also indicated that the services and expertise of consultants who have vast knowledge in maritime and strategic planning were hired to work along with LiMA in-house technical team with the intention that there would be independent critiques of what needs to be done. Courtesy: LAGOS NEWS.
