Published: October 29, 2025
CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – As President Joseph Nyumah Boakai-led government continues to pull resources in an effort to salvage the troubling economic challenges as well as ensure the security of Liberians and all other residents within the borders of the country remain in tight, there are concerns about some concessions which appear to be detrimental rather than productive.
One such deal now under the spotlight is the printing of residents permit by a foreign company known as Contec Global Liberia, Ltd. Contec Global is a subsidiary of the UK-based Indian company, Contec Global.
In a strong worded communication to the Plenary of the Senate, Lofa County Senator Momo T. Cyrus, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense, Security, Intelligence, and Veteran Affairs, called for the immediate cancellation of the Resident Permit Digitization Agreement between the Government of Liberia and Contec Global Liberia Ltd., citing massive revenue losses, nonperformance, and national security risks.
In the letter, dated Tuesday, October 28, Senator Cyrus said findings from his committee’s recent investigation reveal that the deal intended to modernize immigration management has instead become “grossly unfavorable” to the country. “The agreement has cost the government millions in lost revenue,” Cyrus stated, noting further that, “Contec Global has failed to deliver on key contractual obligations, leaving Liberia vulnerable and under-compensated.”
The Lawmaker whose depth of security understanding is rich considering his many years of ownership and operation of a prosperous and viable top private security firm-SEGAL Security Expert Guard of Liberia), saind with emphasis that no time is better than now to nullify the agreement and put corrective measures in place so as to safeguard the interests of the country.
Background of the Deal
The Resident Permit Digitization Agreement, signed in October 2021, was designed to automate resident permit cards for non-citizens, enhance transparency, and increase government revenue. Contec Global was tasked with providing digital infrastructure, logistical support, and decentralized enrollment across all 15 counties. However, Senator Cyrus told the Senate that implementation has been plagued by persistent nonperformance and limited access for the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS).
“Contrary to the agreement’s spirit and letter, critical functions such as card issuance and data management are being executed solely by the contractor, in violation of the contract’s terms,” he said.
Alleged Revenue Losses and Violations
Cyrus revealed that between January 2024 and August 2025, only 17,339 resident cards were printed, generating about US$7.8 million—of which Contec Global reportedly pocketed nearly US$3.5 million. He argued that this occurred “without visible nationwide infrastructure or full LIS oversight.”
He described the 60/40 revenue-sharing formula in favor of Contec Global as “lopsided and detrimental,” noting that “from October 2021 to December 2023, no cards were printed despite ongoing operational claims.” According to the senator, the company’s failure to decentralize operations has left thousands of undocumented aliens across the country, costing the government “hundreds of thousands in lawful revenue annually.” “Immigration data is managed externally without institutional oversight,” he warned. “This exposes the Republic to sovereignty and national security risks.”
Senate Oversight and Next Steps
Cyrus emphasized that the arrangement violates international best practices in digital governance and weakens the LIS’s institutional capacity. He warned that if the contract is not reviewed or terminated, the Senate should reconsider budgetary appropriations for operations meant to be revenue-generating under the deal.
“The Senate has a constitutional duty to safeguard the national interest and ensure fiscal prudence in all public contracts,” he stressed. “This deal must either be realigned to reflect Liberia’s interest—or responsibly terminated.”
The senator also called on the Senate plenary to invite key government officials, including those from the Ministries of Finance, Justice, and State for Presidential Affairs, along with the Commissioners General of the LIS and LRA, to a public hearing on the controversial agreement. Following deliberations, the Senate forwarded Cyrus’s communication to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims, and Petitions, which has been mandated to report to plenary in due course.
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