By: Melvin Flomo/WhatsApp: 0778677647
Capitol Hill, Monrovia —The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defense, Security, Intelligence, and Veteran Affairs, Senator Momo Tarnuekollie Cyrus of Lofa County, has issued a strong condemnation of the Government of Liberia’s decision to outsource vehicle registration and driver’s license issuance to a foreign-controlled entity, Liberia Traffic Management (LTM).
During his appearance on ELBC this morning, Senator Cyrus described the decision as a "gross misjudgment" that poses serious national security, economic, and sovereignty concerns.
“No sovereign nation entrusts vital identification and vehicular regulatory functions to a foreign commercial interest,” the Senator stated. “This act dangerously exposes Liberia to the risk of data breaches and undermines national control over our transportation systems.”
The deal, originally inked in 2019, grants LTM control over a core national function involving biometric data, GPS tracking, identity verification, and the movement of all registered vehicles. According to the Senator, such sensitive information should remain solely under the purview of domestic institutions, particularly given its role in terrorism prevention, law enforcement coordination, and border security.
Economically, Senator Cyrus decried the revenue-sharing structure of the agreement, under which LTM retains 70% of all proceeds from driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, license plates, and roadworthiness certificates. He said the model fails to deliver fair value for Liberia and noted that there is no guaranteed minimum revenue, no escalation clause, and no cap on profits.
“This is a giveaway of national revenue. While the country bears the operational burden, LTM collects unchecked profits,” he asserted, adding that the Ministry of Transport and the Liberia National Police have been stripped of key responsibilities and traditional revenue streams.
The Senator also raised alarms over the displacement of more than 200 Liberians, many from the Ministry of Transport and the LNP who have reportedly been sidelined in favor of the foreign firm’s operations. He described the move as “economically reckless and morally unacceptable” at a time when unemployment is rampant.
Calling for immediate intervention, Senator Cyrus urged President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. to suspend the agreement and allow for a full legislative review.
“We must ask: Who vetted this company? What legal framework governs this concession? Why is there no oversight, no transparency, and no clear safeguard for citizen data and economic interest?” he asked.
The Senate Committee is demanding a halt to the deal until all security, legal, and economic implications are thoroughly addressed through a legislative inquiry.
“We cannot sell national security,” the Senator concluded. “This government must place Liberian interests first.”
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