The Patriotic Entrepreneurs of Liberia (PATEL) has officially distanced itself from a planned protest allegedly being organized under its name, while at the same time commending the Government of Liberia(GoL) for steps taken to support local businesses. Speaking at a press conference in Monrovia, PATEL National Chairman Dominic Nimely made it clear that the organization is not part of any protest against the government and has not authorized anyone to mobilize under the PATEL banner.
Chairman Nimely disclosed that a former official of the organization has been circulating statements and flyers on social media calling for a protest, initially using the name PATEL, but later changing it to what he described as an “economic movement” after realizing the action was improper. “PATEL is not staging any protest, and we are not part of any protest against the government or the private sector,” Nimely said. “Whoever is doing that is acting in his personal capacity. He is not our chairman, and he does not speak for PATEL.”
According to him, the decision to distance the organization from the planned action was taken after consultations with quality leaders and well-meaning Liberian business people who advised that dialogue, not confrontation, remains the best approach. While ruling out protest actions, the PATEL Chairman raised serious concerns affecting Liberian businesses, particularly the poor quality of services provided by GSM companies operating in the country. Nimely lamented persistent call failures, delayed connections, dropped calls, and poor internet services from both Lonestar Cell MTN and Orange Liberia, despite Liberians paying some of the highest telecommunications tariffs in the region. “You can be sitting right next to someone and still struggle to make a call. Sometimes the phone will ring minutes later as a missed call,” he explained.
“We are paying more than people in neighboring countries, yet we are not enjoying reliable service.” He recalled that PATEL had earlier contemplated protest actions over the issue but decided to engage lawmakers, regulators, and sector authorities instead. However, he said despite promises and discussions, there has been no meaningful improvement, and services continue to deteriorate. PATEL is therefore calling on the government to urgently convene a meeting with GSM operators to ensure they invest in modern equipment comparable to what they use in other African countries. Chairman Nimely also criticized the implementation of Liberia’s liberalization policy, arguing that it has largely failed to protect Liberian-owned businesses.
He pointed out that although certain sectors were legally reserved for Liberians, many foreign nationals—particularly Lebanese, Indian, and Chinese traders—now dominate wholesale, retail, and supply businesses, often using local bank loans instead of bringing fresh capital into the economy. “They come claiming to be investors, but instead of bringing money, they take loans from our local banks, crowding out Liberian businesses,” he said. “At the end of the day, Liberians remain stagnant while foreigners expand.” He narrated personal experiences of struggling to compete with foreign-owned businesses operating in areas reserved by law for Liberians, stressing that retail and supply should remain protected sectors.
Despite the concerns raised, PATEL acknowledged and commended the government for positive steps taken in support of Liberian businesses. Nimely praised the current administration for, for the first time in years, placing business associations in the national budget, noting that both the Liberia Business Association and related bodies received budgetary allocations, though modest. He also lauded President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for repeatedly engaging foreign businesses and insisting that those who come to Liberia must genuinely invest and partner with Liberians, rather than dominate the economy.
Additionally, he highlighted the issuance of service passports to Liberian businesspeople and the government’s sponsorship of private-sector participation in international trips—gestures he said were unprecedented compared to previous administrations. “When the government does well, we must say it. But we must also ask them to do more in the interest of Liberian businesses,” Nimely emphasized. In response to questions from journalists, the PATEL Chairman maintained that while protests may sometimes draw attention, they are not always the best solution.
He reiterated his call for President Boakai to directly meet with Liberian business actors, chambers of commerce, and sectoral associations to hear their concerns firsthand and take decisive action. “Two years is enough time. The President needs to sit with us and understand what Liberian businesses are going through,” he said. “We are ready for dialogue and action, not noise without results.” PATEL reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful engagement, constructive criticism, and collaboration with the government to ensure that Liberians become true players, not spectators in their own economy.
Author: Zac T. Sherman
