Published: June 29, 2026
MONROVIA — The National Port Authority (NPA) has launched a sweeping modernization of the Freeport of Monrovia, introducing automated entry and exit gates, digital access passes, enhanced security infrastructure, expanded parking facilities, and landscaped walkways in a bid to transform Liberia’s busiest seaport into a facility that meets international maritime standards.
The upgrade, expected to be completed within the next one to two months, is designed to improve security, streamline port operations, reduce congestion, and strengthen compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
During a guided tour of the ongoing works for scores of journalists on Monday, NPA Executive Director for Communications and Public Relations Pewee Baysah showcased the progress at the Bravo Gate and outlined the authority’s vision for a fully automated port.
Baysah said the modernization project represents a significant milestone in Liberia’s port development.
“Liberia is getting on par with international ports,” he said. “We have two gates. One is entrance and one is exit. This is the Bravo Gate. Before this project started, this gate was a little tiny. Now this is going to be where people get out.”
Under the new system, every individual and vehicle entering or leaving the port will be electronically tracked.
“This automated system will tell you that before you pass here… there’s going to be a scanning machine that tells you Mr. X has been in the port for business and they’re going out. And that scan is going to tell security officers and people who sit in the booth that these are the people who actually entered the port from that other gate,” Baysah explained.
He said similar systems are already in use at major international ports.
“One thing that’s going to happen at this gate is to show that Liberia is getting on par with international ports. There are other ports that have similar systems… Now we are proud that we can say that our port is taking shape.”
As part of the automation drive, traditional handwritten entry logs will be eliminated and replaced with electronic access passes.
“Unlike before, you come to the gate and you write a name on one sheet of paper. So we are trying to automate the entire port,” Baysah said.
He disclosed that license plate recognition technology will also be introduced to monitor vehicles entering the facility.
To further improve efficiency, the NPA is working with commercial banks to extend their operating hours and facilitate faster payment processing for port users.
Beyond automation, the authority is significantly upgrading the port’s physical infrastructure.
According to Baysah, the existing six-foot security fence is being replaced with a 12-foot barrier stretching from Bravo Gate to the Amoco Gate to strengthen perimeter security.
“You’re going to see this fence — prior to the automation, this fence was about maybe six feet high. Now we’re going 12 feet high. And this is going to be from here as far as the Amoco Gate,” he said.
The area surrounding Bravo Gate, once largely overgrown and underutilized, is also being redeveloped into a spacious parking facility for port users.
“If you were here a couple of months ago, this was a completely dilapidated area in the port. But now we can say certainly that we are having a port that is taking shape that has to do with international standards, the ISPS Code,” Baysah said.
The project also includes the construction of covered pedestrian walkways designed to improve comfort and safety for employees and visitors.
“If they put glass here… visitors or employees will walk through air-conditioned… from the entrance all the way inside here,” he said.
The corridors will be equipped with wall lighting, landscaped gardens, and decorative flowers.
“We have already started planting flowers… We’ll have wall lights here, and we’ll have another one out there also,” he added.
Baysah used the occasion to dismiss criticism surrounding the port’s operations, urging Liberians to judge the NPA by its ongoing development initiatives rather than speculation.
“The information out there is not information that people like to listen to gossip. And it’s time to dismiss this gossip. We’re doing good work here and we need to all embrace it,” he said.
He stressed that national development should be recognized regardless of political affiliation.
“Whether it is somebody from Pluto, somebody from Mars… somebody from the former government, whatever. If you’re doing something for the country, you need to be praised for what you’re doing for the country. And it needs to be told back to the public.”
He added:
“It’s good to talk about the good things. It’s good to talk about the bad things. But let’s talk about the reality of what we’re doing here.”
Beyond the gate automation project, Baysah highlighted additional improvements underway across the Freeport, including the installation of a new Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) water hydrant system and ongoing rehabilitation works at several piers.
He said the authority expects to complete the automation project within the next two months and plans to invite journalists back to witness the fully operational system.
“We are urging you to carry this news out there. Inform the Liberian people that we are actually here doing the people’s work,” Baysah said.
The modernization initiative forms part of the NPA’s broader strategy to improve operational efficiency, strengthen security, ease congestion, enhance customer experience, and position the Freeport of Monrovia among modern ports operating under internationally recognized maritime standards.
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