13/08/2026
Cabinet Endorses Social Registry, Port Dredging as Boakai Pushes Faster Service Delivery
MONROVIA, LIBERIA — The 23rd Cabinet Meeting chaired by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has endorsed a series of measures aimed at strengthening social protection, improving port infrastructure, attracting investment, and accelerating government service delivery.
The meeting, held Thursday at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia, brought together key government institutions, including the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the National Port Authority, and the National Investment Commission, to review ongoing programs and proposals.
Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Cabinet Director General Nathaniel T. Kwabo said the Ministry of Gender presented its ongoing programs and systems designed to support vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities.
Kwabo said Cabinet was particularly impressed by the ministry’s proposed Social Registry, which is expected to help government identify, document, and better target vulnerable Liberians in need of social assistance.
“With that registry, we can consolidate the resources that we need to support these people and make the impact that we need to make as a government,” Kwabo said.
He said Cabinet also endorsed Liberia’s move toward the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, describing the decision as an important step toward strengthening the protection of women and advancing their rights.
On infrastructure, the Cabinet endorsed the National Port Authority’s proposal to proceed with plans to dredge the Freeport of Monrovia, amid concerns that the port’s current conditions limit its ability to accommodate larger vessels.
According to Kwabo, the challenges at the port are affecting commercial activities and have broader implications for the Liberian economy. He disclosed that proposals involving partners from Morocco were also presented, including a possible concession for the expansion and development of the Freeport, while another proposal focused on the development of the Port of Buchanan.
Meanwhile, National Investment Commission Chairman highlighted several government-owned properties that have remained in poor condition and called for faster decisions regarding their future. Among the properties discussed were Hotel Africa, Ducor Hotel, and Golden Gate Hotel.
Kwabo said President Boakai has instructed Cabinet members to act with greater urgency, stressing that government officials must prioritize decisions that directly affect the lives of citizens.
“The essence of government is to provide service. If we can't provide service, then why are we even government?” Kwabo quoted President Boakai as saying, emphasizing that the administration has a responsibility to fulfill its “contract” with the Liberian people.
On the ongoing drug-related investigation, Kwabo clarified that the matter was not formally listed on the Cabinet agenda but was addressed by President Boakai during his opening remarks. He said the President urged investigators to be allowed to complete their work and cautioned against drawing premature conclusions.
Kwabo said the government remains satisfied with the progress of the investigation and encouraged anyone with information implicating additional individuals to submit such evidence to the appropriate authorities rather than relying on speculation.
He further disclosed that Cabinet’s performance against its targets remains on course, although significant work remains to be done. According to him, President Boakai has cautioned officials against complacency and demanded measurable results from government institutions.
The 23rd Cabinet Meeting concluded with renewed emphasis on social protection, port and infrastructure development, investment facilitation, and improved public service delivery, as the Boakai administration seeks to accelerate implementation of its national development priorities.
