LiMA Convenes Stakeholders to Update National Maritime Security Strategy
The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), through its Department of Maritime Security, on Wednesday, June 11, convened a high-level stakeholder meeting aimed at updating the country’s National Maritime Security Strategy to reflect current developments and emerging threats within the maritime domain.
Held at LiMA’s headquarters in Monrovia, the meeting brought together senior representatives from the Ministry of National Defense (MOD), the National Port Authority (NPA), the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NAFAA), the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), the Ministry of State (MOS), and several other key government agencies.
Speaking at the opening session, Mr. John F. Harvey, Deputy Commissioner for Domestic Vessel Registration and Safety, welcomed the stakeholders and emphasized the need for a collaborative, multi-agency approach to maritime security.
“This strategy was developed collectively by stakeholders and experts in the maritime sector,” said Mr. Harvey. “No single agency can effectively manage all maritime threats. Therefore, cooperation among various government entities is crucial.”
Mr. Harvey noted that the update process is designed to incorporate relevant and up-to-date information, which will lay the groundwork for endorsement by the National Security Council, officially transitioning the strategy into a working document ready for implementation.
He added that the updated strategy is guided by a joint governance model, with maritime security agencies operating under the strategic direction of the Maritime Security and Oversight Committee.
Also speaking at the meeting, Mr. Simeon Cheah, Director of Maritime Security at LiMA, reaffirmed the significance of the update process.
“The revised document will pave the way for heads of stakeholder institutions to sign off, enabling us to move forward with unified action in securing Liberia’s maritime domain,” said Mr. Cheah.
The one-day session marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s efforts to modernize and further strengthen its maritime security. As coastal and offshore activities increase in number and become more difficult to manage, stakeholders emphasized that a strong and well-coordinated security system is essential to protecting Liberia’s economic and territorial interests at sea.
The updated strategy is expected to address both traditional and non-traditional maritime threats, including piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing, and environmental risks. It will also reinforce Liberia’s commitment to regional and international maritime security standards.
Source : LiMA
