by Rocheford T. Gardiner
Monrovia, Liberia – February 2, 2026 – A prominent civil society organization, the Liberia Monitor Group, has issued a stern warning to the Liberian government regarding the proposed awarding of five highly controversial offshore oil blocks. The group asserts that the current “direct negotiation” approach bypasses critical transparency and competitive bidding processes, raising fears of a return to the opaque dealings that have historically plagued the nation’s nascent oil sector.
The controversy centers on the Boakai administration’s recent efforts to finalize concessions for several oil blocks in the Liberian Basin. While the specific block numbers are under scrutiny, the Liberia Monitor Group highlights that the process lacks the necessary legislative oversight and public transparency, potentially undermining the country’s economic future and fostering an environment ripe for corruption.
“We are deeply concerned by the lack of transparency surrounding the ongoing negotiations for these vital national assets,” stated Ms. Aminata Diallo, spokesperson for the Liberia Monitor Group, at a press conference in Monrovia on Monday. “Past experiences have shown us that direct negotiations, without robust public scrutiny and competitive bidding, often lead to deals that do not serve the best interests of the Liberian people. We cannot afford to repeat those mistakes.”
Key concerns raised by the Monitor Group include:
- Legal Lapses: The group alleges that some of the proposed agreements may contravene existing petroleum laws, which stipulate clear guidelines for awarding exploration and production rights. They are calling for immediate clarification on the legal basis for the current negotiation strategy.
- Capacity Concerns: There are growing questions about the technical and financial capacity of some of the foreign firms reportedly involved in the direct negotiations. Critics suggest that certain companies may be more interested in “flipping” licenses for a quick profit rather than undertaking the substantial investment required for actual exploration and production.
- Environmental and Social Impact: The Liberia Monitor Group is also demanding comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) for all proposed blocks before any agreements are finalized. They emphasize the potential for long-term ecological damage and disruption to coastal communities if proper safeguards are not in place.
The group specifically pointed to potential deals involving companies like Oranto Petroleum, whose previous engagements in the region have drawn mixed reviews. They are urging the Legislature to take a more active role in scrutinizing these potential agreements and to ensure that any future oil deals are subjected to a rigorous and transparent bidding process.
“The wealth beneath our seas belongs to all Liberians,” Diallo emphasized. “It is imperative that every step in exploiting this resource is conducted with the utmost transparency, accountability, and a firm commitment to sustainable development. We are calling on President Boakai to immediately halt these direct negotiations and open the process to competitive bidding, ensuring that Liberia secures the best possible terms for its future.”
The government has yet to officially respond to the Liberia Monitor Group’s latest pronouncements, but the issue is expected to dominate political discourse in the coming weeks. Civil society organizations and concerned citizens are now closely watching how the administration will address these mounting calls for transparency and adherence to due process in the critical oil sector.
In resent time, another critical alarm over mineral deals and bad concession leases has come from a Sinoe County Lawmaker – Senator Crayton Duncan – who spoke at a popular ‘Palava Hut’ of the state-run University of Liberia (UL) at the invitation of the Student Unification Party (SUP) on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the Sinoe County lawmaker attributed bulk of the country’s failure to the very Legislature, of which he is a member.
However, Senator Duncan has come under criticism from some quarters, accusing him of being part of the legislative quagmire.