Published: February 25, 2026
CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia — Montserrado County Sen. Abraham Darius Dillon has introduced sweeping legislation aimed at overhauling the legal foundation of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) and tightening constitutional accountability across government.
Presenting the bill before Senate plenary, Dillon said the proposed law would formally establish LPRC by statute and repeal portions of a 1989 Act that granted the entity exclusive authority over the importation, storage, distribution and commercialization of petroleum products in Liberia.
Fixing a “Longstanding Legal Gap”
Dillon argued that although LPRC has operated since 1978 under Articles of Incorporation as a wholly government-owned entity, it lacks a clear enabling statute defining its governance structure, powers and oversight mechanisms.
“To date, there is no statutory authority for the proper governance of this relevant and needed state-owned entity,” Dillon told colleagues. “We must now provide that legal framework consistent with the Constitution.”
Citing Article 89 of the 1986 Constitution — which empowers the Legislature to establish public corporations and commissions — Dillon said the proposed Act would place LPRC on firm constitutional footing and clarify accountability measures.
The bill would also amend and repeal provisions of the 1989 law that granted LPRC exclusive control over petroleum regulation and commercialization — a move that could open the sector to broader participation and regulatory reform.
“There is no provision of any law that gives authority to the President of Liberia to appoint people at LPRC,” Dillon said, referencing successive administrations. “This Act will provide the governance structure required under the Constitution.”
If enacted, the legislation would formally reconstitute LPRC as a statutory entity with defined powers, functions and administrative structure.
Separate Push for Claims Court
Beyond petroleum reform, Dillon disclosed that he has submitted a separate bill to establish a Claims Court, as mandated under Article 26 of the Constitution.
The proposed court would provide citizens, private entities and institutions a formal constitutional avenue to sue the government or its agents for alleged violations of fundamental rights, including life, property and liberty.
“The Claims Court will be the only platform available where citizens and institutions can sue government for rights abuse,” Dillon stated, noting that the absence of such a court currently limits access to constitutional redress.
Reform Agenda Expands
Dillon expressed confidence that both measures would secure Senate backing. He also indicated plans to collaborate with members of the House of Representatives to advance a statute of limitations bill previously passed by the Senate and awaiting concurrence.
If approved, the proposed reforms could significantly reshape governance in Liberia’s petroleum sector while strengthening constitutional safeguards for citizens seeking accountability from the state.
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