In a letter dated November 20, 2024, and addressed to the President, a copy of which is in the possession of this paper, the Chairperson of the National Investment Commission, Jeff B. Blibo, requested the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Concessions Committee (IMCC) to address the financing and redevelopment of the Roberts International Airport (RIA).
“As you are aware, financing the operations of the airport has been a significant challenge,” the letter stated.
It added that the Board of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) has decided to contract the services of the private sector to invest the capital required to resuscitate the airport and bring it up to a modern facility.
In the communication, Mr. Blibo further indicated that the potential developer will be required to enter into a Build Operate and Transfer (BOT arrangement, following which the airport will be turned over to the Government of Liberia.
“To move forward with this initiative, the relevant approvals-such as the LAA Board Approval, issuance of the Concession Certificate by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and the Public Procurement and Concession Commission No Objection to proceed with a competitive process-have been received,” it stated.
The NIC boss stressed that to ensure the conduct of the procurement process in compliance with Section 81(3g) of the Public Procurement and Concessions Act (PPCA) of 2010, the constitution of an Inter-Ministerial Concessions Committee (IMCC) is crucial to oversee and facilitate this process. “Excellency, please accept the assurances of my highest esteem”.
At the same time, in another communication in the possession of this paper reportedly written by President Boakai, the Liberian government extended an invitation to the Albayrak Group to present a proposal.
“Following your previous visit to Monrovia and our discussions during my transit in Istanbul, Turkey, I am pleased to formally invite you to Liberia to make a comprehensive culture presentation of your proposal for the redevelopment of Roberts International Airport (RIA),” the letter said.
Accordingly, the invitation is also based on the information provided by the LAA after their fact-finding mission to Turkey and subsequent engagements.
The letter also indicated that the presentation will provide the company an opportunity to showcase its capabilities, not only in airport development but also in areas such as agriculture, transportation, and other sectors where its expertise aligns with Liberia’s developmental priorities under the president’s administration’s “ARREST” Agenda.
Meanwhile, it is understood that the contract for the renovation of the RIA is being heavily chased after by several other companies based in China and the United Kingdom, including Suma Group and FB Group, among others.
However, information reaching this paper surmises that the Liberian government might hire the Albayrak Group based in Turkey for the renovation works of the RIA.
Sources within the National Investment Commission confided that decisions surrounding the consideration of this company by the government are being reviewed, coupled with international consultations.
There is also information that this company is allegedly aligned with former Guinean President, Alpha Conde, who was overthrown by Guinean military junta led by Mamady Doumbouya.
Strong critiques have begun reviewing the process as one that requires further information about the company’s direct link to former President Conde.
It is also alleged that Mr. Conde is constantly striking some concession deals with the management of the Turkish-based Albayrak Group for his financial empowerment to fight back at General Doumbouya.
Our sources further hinted that the former Guinean President had phoned President Boakai, using his influence and pleading for the awarding of the contract of the RIA to the Albayrak Group by the Unity Party administration.
The atmosphere under this ongoing discussion surrounding the contract might have a serious security implication on Liberia, as uncertainty looms over the aftermath or reaction from Guinean President, General Doumbouya should the company be awarded the contract.
This paper is further informed that the three top government officials had earlier paid a visit to Istanbul, Turkey, and met with the former Guinean President, Conde, and executives of Albayrak Group to discuss the contract.
Though the RIA Board Chairperson, Kamara is reportedly in a fight with the sector head, Transport Minister Sirleaf Tyler as information further suggests that Minister Tyler has expressed strong opposition to the deal.
