Petroleum importers in Liberia are alleged to owe the Liberian government US$20,339,056.05 from the money collected from the Road Fund, which is to be remitted to the government for maintenance of road across Liberia.
The full disclosure was made on Thursday, February 23, 2023 in a regular session during the 12th Day Sitting of the 6th Session of the 54th Legislature when the importers of petroleum products and the Road Fund management appeared before the plenary of the House of Representatives.
The appearance of the importers and the Road Fund management came as a result of a communication from the House of Representatives inviting them to come and give reason why the money owed the government for the maintenance of road across Liberia has not been paid, and how this amount will be paid.
Importers which owe the Government of Liberia (GOL) the amount are Srimex, Conex, Aminata, NP, Petro Trade, West Oil, Nexium, Kailondo and LPRC.
During the appearance of the importers before the full plenary, the importers who are indebted to the government appealed to the Legislature to have a review of the agreement with an amendment to the payment plan. According to them, the outbreak of the Coronavirus in the country attributed to the decline in the payment of road funds.
The plenary, following the presentation of the importers, reached a decision to reschedule the hearing because some of the importers were absent during the Thursday hearing. A motion made by the Nimba County district #5 Representative, Samuel G. Kogar, contained that the importers who disrespected the House should appear before the House next Tuesday with their lawyer to answer to why they should not be held in contempt.
The motion was amended for the LPRC management to pay the amount owed the government, as well as appear along with the importers on next Tuesday.