Published: July 31, 2025
CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA – Lawmakers have ordered the immediate suspension of Liberia Traffic Management (LTM)’s operations and reinstated the Ministry of Transport’s full control over traffic functions, citing the company’s refusal to appear before a legislative inquiry as contempt of the Legislature.
The House Joint Committee on Investment, Concession, and Transport issued the stay-order Thursday, July 31, after LTM failed to attend a scheduled hearing probing its controversial traffic management concession. The company also failed to submit a written explanation for its absence.
“All summoned parties complied except LTM,” said Robert Haynes, Director of Press and Public Affairs at the House of Representatives. “Their refusal to appear is a violation of legislative authority and cannot be tolerated.”
The committee directed the Ministry of Transport to immediately resume statutory responsibilities—including vehicle registration, driver licensing, and traffic enforcement—in coordination with the Liberia National Police.
Concession Under Fire
The LTM agreement, signed in 2018 but activated only in July 2024, has faced mounting criticism from Transport Ministry employees and commercial drivers. Under the deal, LTM reportedly retains 70% of traffic-related revenue, leaving just 30% for the government.
Workers at the Ministry say the concession stripped more than 200 civil servants of core responsibilities, effectively rendering them redundant. Several have staged peaceful protests demanding the agreement’s cancellation.
“This company is exploiting Liberians under the guise of traffic enforcement,” said Morris Dolo, a commercial driver. “They extort money from us and ignore the law.”
Commercial drivers have decried alleged extortion and “double ticketing”—being fined twice for the same offense—by LTM agents. Demonstrations on July 28 at ELWA Junction and Capitol Bypass brought traffic in parts of Monrovia to a standstill.
Legal and Security Concerns
In addition to public outcry, the concession has triggered legal scrutiny. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court issued a stay order barring interference with the Modern Development and Management Corporation (MDMC), which claims to be the legitimate operator of traffic services. Despite this, the Ministry of Justice reportedly proceeded with implementing the LTM contract, raising concerns about executive overreach and disregard for judicial authority.
Lawmakers are also alarmed by LTM’s access to sensitive biometric and vehicle registration data. Senator Momo Cyrus warned that entrusting such information to a foreign-owned firm could pose risks to national security.
Next Steps
The House Joint Committee has summoned LTM and its legal counsel to appear Monday to address the contempt charges. Until then, all LTM activities are to remain suspended.
“The Legislature will not tolerate disrespect from any entity operating in Liberia,” Haynes said. “We are committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and the protection of national interest.”
The Chief Clerk has been instructed to formally communicate the stay-order to the Ministry of Transport, Liberia National Police, and LTM.
The move restores the Ministry of Transport’s full authority over national traffic management, at least temporarily, while lawmakers conduct a comprehensive legislative review of the concession’s terms and legality.
Discussion about this post