Recent allegations of corruption against the National Road Fund (NRF) leadership have raised concerns, but a closer examination reveals that these claims lack substantive evidence and appear to be politically motivated. The first allegation involves a $410,500 consultancy contract awarded to BLECO Group Inc. for project evaluation and soil sampling. Critics argue that this contract was outside the NRF's mandate and part of a scheme to siphon funds. However, the consultancy contract followed all legal processes, receiving approvals from the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), the Ministry of Finance, and the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee (IMSC). The work performed—nationwide project evaluation and soil sampling—is a standard practice globally for assessing road conditions and ensuring long-term cost savings in infrastructure planning[2][4]. BLECO Group Inc. also provided an insurance bond as a legally accepted alternative to a bank guarantee, further demonstrating compliance with procurement laws. These facts undermine claims that the contract was fraudulent or outside the NRF’s jurisdiction[2][4].
The second allegation concerns a $160,000 solar light installation project awarded to ASIAN Liberia Investment Inc., with critics claiming that only 700 solar lights were delivered instead of the contracted 1,000 and that materials were of poor quality. However, evidence shows that the project was executed in full compliance with contractual terms, and completion reports confirm that all solar lights were installed as specified. The contract underwent thorough review and approval by oversight bodies, ensuring adherence to procurement standards [2]. Claims that fewer lights were delivered or that materials were substandard lack credible evidence. Furthermore, allegations suggesting political misuse of the project remain unsubstantiated [1][2].
The third claim involves the payment of $1,460 in Bar Association fees for Kanio Bai Gbala, NRF’s legal counsel. Critics argue this expense was unnecessary since NRF already has a legal team. However, covering professional membership fees for in-house counsel is standard practice in both public and private sectors to ensure legal professionals remain in good standing [2]. In this case, the payment was made directly to the Liberia National Bar Association, not to Mr. Gbala personally, eliminating any suggestion of personal enrichment. Furthermore, at $1,000, this expense is negligible relative to NRF’s administrative budget allocation of 1.5%[2].
It is important to consider Liberia’s broader development challenges when evaluating these allegations. The NRF’s initiatives—such as nationwide road assessments and solar lighting installations—are crucial steps toward national development [6][8]. Additionally, NRF has demonstrated its commitment to transparency through proactive measures like road inspection surveillance and requests for proposals to develop a toll policy aimed at diversifying revenue streams[6][8].
The allegations against NRF leadership lack merit when assessed against documented evidence. Both contracts awarded to BLECO Group Inc. and ASIAN Liberia Investment Inc. adhered to legal procurement processes and were executed according to their terms. The payment for Bar Association fees aligns with standard governance practices and does not constitute misuse of funds. These accusations appear politically motivated rather than based on legitimate concerns [1][2]. Despite these unwarranted criticisms, NRF leadership has acted within legal boundaries and continues to contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s development goals while upholding principles of transparency and accountability [6][8].
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References
[1] https://verityonlinenews.com/scandalous-contracts-nrf-drowns-in-us570k-alleged-corruption/
[2] https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-us410k-contract-sparks-concern-at-road-fund-but-managing-director-wento-says-entity-met-all-legal-requirements/
[3] https://liberianinvestigator.com/update/road-fund-diverted-no-road-maintenance-in-last-six-years-public-works-minister-alleges/
[4] https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/fpa-investigation-sabastian-collins-revealed-to-have-no-family-ties-with-minister-of-public-works-no-connection-to-contracts-offered/
[5] https://www.hrw.org/legacy/backgrounder/africa/liberia0905/7.htm
[6] https://nrf.gov.lr/2024/08/27/request-for-expression-of-interest-for-the-provision-of-organization-strategic-plan-consultancy-services-in-favor-of-the-national-road-fund-of-liberia/
[7] https://smartnewsliberia.com/national-road-fund-faces-deepening-crisis-over-allegations-of-corruption-and-mismanagement/
] [PDF] COMPREHENSIVE REPORT - NRF – National Road Fund of Liberia https://nrf.gov.lr/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/NRF-Annual-Report-2019-2020.pdf
[2] [PDF] AN ACT CREATING THE - Liberia Revenue Authority https://revenue.lra.gov.lr/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Approved-Final-Law-Act.pdf
[3] Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (Liberia) - Devex https://www.devex.com/organizations/public-procurement-and-concessions-commission-liberia-154595.Road to Truth: NRF Allegations Hit Dead End
[4] Liberia: US$410K Contract Sparks Concern at Road Fund But ... https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-us410k-contract-sparks-concern-at-road-fund-but-managing-director-wento-says-entity-met-all-legal-requirements/
[5] [PDF] This action is funded by the European Union https://www.gtai.de/resource/blob/43096/64aa603fbdc388b154b345e11af8d399/pro201807035004-data.pdf.Road to Truth: NRF Allegations Hit Dead End.Road to Truth: NRF Allegations Hit Dead EndRoad to Truth: NRF Allegations Hit Dead End
[6] Liberia: NRF To Terminate Road Projects Below Contract Specifications in 2025 - https://thenewsnigeria.com.ng/2025/01/01/liberia-nrf-to-terminate-road-projects-below-contract-specifications-in-2025/
[7] [PDF] National Road Fund Office
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