𝗛O𝗥 𝗦anctions Contempt Against 𝗡𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟, 𝗟𝗣𝗥𝗖

The House of Representatives has taken a decisive stance against what it describes as blatant disregard for legislative authority by sanctioning the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) and the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) with contempt charges for failing to honor an official invitation to appear before its Committee on Hydrocarbon. The decision followed the absence of both institutions from an acquaintance hearing convened by the Committee on Friday, October 17, 2025, despite receiving formal communication and notice well in advance. The hearing was intended to foster collaboration and assess progress in Liberia’s petroleum and energy sector. 

In sharp contrast, the Ministry of Public Works and the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) attended the hearing and provided updates on their respective institutional roles and activities. Lawmakers described the nonappearance of NOCAL and LPRC as an “affront” to the authority of the Legislature and an “obstruction” to its oversight responsibilities. Following deliberations on the matter, members of the House voted to summon both NOCAL and LPRC to reappear before the Hydrocarbon Committee, accompanied by their respective legal counsels, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. They are expected to show cause why they should not be held in contempt for their refusal to attend the previous session. 

Chairman of the Committee on Hydrocarbon, Hon. Sam P. Jallah, condemned the institutions’ conduct, reminding public officials and state enterprises of the Legislature’s constitutional mandate to ensure transparency, accountability, and good governance. “The job of the Legislature is to make laws and provide oversight. When institutions under the Executive branch refuse to honor our call, they are not just defying this Committee they are disrespecting the Liberian people,” Hon. Jallah stated firmly. He stressed that such acts of noncompliance undermine the Legislature’s oversight function and send the wrong signal about the commitment of public institutions to accountability. “Gone are the days when entities could disregard the Legislature’s summons with impunity,” he added. 

The Hydrocarbon Committee is currently engaging key actors in the oil and gas sector as part of its mandate to assess institutional performance, review compliance with petroleum laws, and ensure the responsible management of Liberia’s hydrocarbon resources. Lawmakers believe that effective collaboration between state-owned enterprises and regulatory bodies is essential to fostering investment confidence and promoting transparency in the country’s emerging energy sector. 

The House of Representatives also reaffirmed that failure by NOCAL and LPRC to comply with the latest directive will result in further punitive measures, consistent with Rule 48 of the House’s Standing Rules and Article 44 of the Constitution of Liberia, which grant the Legislature the authority to punish for contempt. This move, according to legislative observers, signals a renewed commitment by the 55th Legislature to assert its oversight powers and ensure that public institutions operate within the confines of transparency and accountability as Liberia advances its national development agenda.