President Joseph Nyuma Boakai recently led a high-level assessment tour of the Royesville Seaport, a major port infrastructure project currently under construction in Royesville in Montserrado County District 17. The development of the port, the Liberian leader said, signifies the government’s commitment o ensuring that large-scale investments align with Liberia’s development priorities, environmental standards, and community interests. The inspection tour brought together key government officials, including Montserrado County District 17 Representative Bernard Blue Benson Jr., alias ‘DJ Blue,’ local authorities and technical experts.
During the inspection tour, President Boakai closely examined the progress of the project and engaged developers on compliance and long-term impact. The Royesville Seaport is being developed by Bao Chico, a Chinese company involved in iron ore extraction in Liberia’s western region. Once completed, the facility is expected to serve as a strategic export point for iron ore and other mineral resources, while also strengthening Liberia’s maritime, logistics, and trade infrastructure. During the visit, President Boakai received detailed briefings on the scope of construction, timelines, safety measures, and environmental safeguards.
He indicated that the infrastructure projects of this magnitude must operate within the framework of Liberia’s laws and prioritize transparency, accountability, and benefits for host communities. “Foreign investment is welcome and necessary for Liberia’s growth. But such investments must be responsible, environmentally sound, and clearly beneficial to the Liberian people. Development must not come at the expense of our communities or natural resources,” the Liberian chief executive intoned. President Boakai vowed his administration’s eagerness to close monitor concession-related projects to ensure they contribute to job creation, skills transfer, and sustainable economic growth.
In remarks, Representative Benson, who accompanied the President throughout the inspection, described the seaport as a potentially transformative project for District 17. He noted that beyond its national economic value, the project holds promise for local employment and business opportunities for residents of Royesville and surrounding communities. “This project represents hope for our district. If properly managed, it can empower our people, stimulate local commerce, and contribute meaningfully to national development. Continued collaboration between the government, investors, and the community is key,” the Montserrado County lawmaker asserted.
Montserrado County Superintendent Whroway Bryant expressed excitement about the new infrastructure, which according to him, is of great importance to the people of Royesville and the nation at large. Bryant sees the ongoing port project as a critical addition to the county’s and nation’s infrastructure network, stressing that it has the potential to improve trade efficiency, enhance revenue generation, and support Liberia’s long-term economic recovery agenda. The Royesville Seaport project, he added, aligns with President Boakai’s broader vision to modernize Liberia’s infrastructure, restore confidence in public oversight of investments, and position the country as a competitive hub for trade and natural resource exports within the sub-region.
Author: Alpha Lymas