THE APM TERMINALS and the NPA have renegotiated the Marine Services Agreement and the Global Tracking and Maritime Solutions (GTMS) contract.
GTMS provides real-time cargo tracking and security verification services for shipments entering and exiting the Freeport of Monrovia.
UNDER PRESIDENT JOSEPH Boakai’s directive and with technical support from the Ministry of Finance, Liberia Revenue Authority, and Ministry of Justice; these revisions have led to increased government revenue, reduced costs for port users, and a structured plan for Liberians to eventually take over the provision of these services.
THE REVISED GTMS contract increased the government’s share of revenue from 3% to 40% in the first five years and 45% thereafter and also mandates that GTMS pay all applicable taxes, including an estimated 20% corporate tax.
THE RENEGOTIATION OF the Marine Services Agreement and the Global Tracking and Maritime Solutions (GTMS) contract marks a significant step toward economic fairness and national empowerment in Liberia’s port operations.
WHILE WE HAIL this partnership drive between the APM Terminals and NPA, the success of this agreement will, in our view, depend on strict implementation of policies, guided transparency, and continued oversight to prevent any future exploitations at the disadvantage of the Liberian people
WE URGE THE Liberia Revenue Authority, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Justice to actively monitor compliance, ensuring that GTMS fulfills its tax obligations and that the increased government revenue is effectively utilized for national development.
IT IS CRUCIAL that the plan for Liberians to take over the provision of these services is not just a symbolic commitment but a well-structured initiative with clear time lines and capacity-building efforts.
THE GOVERNMENT MUST invest in training programs to equip Liberians with the necessary technical skills to manage cargo tracking and maritime security efficiently.
FOR US IF Liberia is to succeed, its time to gradually fade out external dependency and adapt a home grown solution to national progress by equipping Liberians with the technical skills to manage their own affairs under rules-based system.
