The National Road Fund of Liberia Refutes Bogus Corruption Allegations – Sets the Record Straight
Monrovia, Liberia – February 17, 2025 – The National Road Fund (NRF) of Liberia categorically rejects, in the strongest terms, all allegations of corruption and the deliberate misinformation regarding corruption being circulated in media outlets and public fora. These deliberate acts of disinformation and mendacity, which alleged that the NRF awarded contracts in 2023 without following the stipulated competitive bidding process, are not only baseless and fabricated but represent a callous attempt to undermine and sabotage the NRF’s reputation.
In 2023, the NRF executed a legally compliant contract with the BLECO Group with the stated aim of conducting a Quality Assurance and Review Process on all road infrastructure projects funded by the NRF from fiscal year 2020 to 2022. The objective of this comprehensive review was to provide the NRF with real-time analytical observations on the past performance of road contractors, informing future operational and strategic recommendations for subsequent projects in the Annual Road Maintenance and Expenditure Program (ARMEP) of 2024.
The NRF informs the public that an open, transparent, and meticulous procurement process was rigorously followed, with BLECO Group being deemed the most responsive and successful bidder among the proposals submitted. The Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) granted a “No Objection” approval for this contract following a thorough evaluation of the submissions. All payments made under the contract were tied to agreed deliverables as stipulated, ensuring that no conflicts of interest existed. It is important to emphasize that BLECO Group fully complied with all deliverables before any associated payments were made.
For clarity, it is critical to state that the NRF is empowered by its enabling legislation (The NRF Act of 2016) to enter into contracts that further its mandate. Consequently, any claims suggesting that the NRF lacks the authority to enter into contracts are not only misleading but also intended to misinform the Liberian public. The National Road Fund Act, Chapter 4, Section 4.4, specifically outlines the functions and duties of the National Road Fund Manager, which includes the right to: 2(c) “Review, at such intervals as the manager deems necessary, the utilization of funds by any roads authority to verify that funds have been utilized for their stated purpose” and 3(d) “Enter into contracts on behalf of the office of the Road Fund.” These authorities were exercised fully and in accordance with the NRF Act of 2016.
Furthermore, the NRF operates under the governance of an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee (IMSC), and Chapter 3, Section 3.3(C) states that the IMSC shall: “Provide leadership and oversight for transactional arrangements provided herein in furtherance of this Act.” Section 3.3(g) mandates the review, approval, and allocation of funding for the Annual Road Maintenance and Expenditure Program. Under the same chapter, Section 3.1(e) includes the authority to approve the Annual Roads Maintenance Program. The authority granted to the IMSC under the Act was executed, and the Quality Assurance contract was approved in the 2023 budget of the NRF.
Additionally, claims suggesting that the NRF’s financing of a solar light project in Grand Cape Mount County violates the NRF Act are grossly unfounded and reflect a blatant misunderstanding of the NRF Act. The NRF is not restricted solely to financing roads and bridges; lighting projects, which are crucial for road safety, fall within its jurisdiction. Chapter One, Section 1.2 of the NRF Act establishes the Fund’s purpose, which includes financing directly associated planning, programming, and management activities. Chapter 6, Section 6.2(h) authorizes the fund’s use to cover “other items of administrative expenditure that are directly related to road maintenance activities but which are not included in the expenditure relating to projects or programs.”
In light of the above clarification, the public is hereby advised to be wary of nefarious individuals who seek to falsely instill the notion that there is fraud or scandal at the NRF, as no such situation exists. These bogus allegations possess no scintilla of truth and obviously do not point to or prove any form of corruption. This is rather a calculated smear campaign that cannot and will not diminish the current positive interventions of the NRF.
The National Road Fund of Liberia stands firm in its commitment to transparency and accountability and will continue to work diligently to fulfill its mission for the people of Liberia. We urge the public to rely on verified information and to reject unfounded claims that seek to tarnish the integrity of our operations.
Signed:
Emmett Payopa Coker
Director
Media Relations
National Road Fund of Liberia
Email: ecoker@nrf.gov.lr
Phone: +231-770833336