Africa-Press – Liberia. In a decisive move for Liberia’s energy sector, the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) has launched a three-day Strategic Retreat to build a robust, sustainable, thriving energy future.
Convened in the strategic heart of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, this retreat represents a pivotal step for the nation’s hydrocarbon industry.
The 2025 Strategic Retreat assembles industry leaders, policymakers, and international partners to collaboratively develop solutions that align with Liberia’s ambitious development goals. This is more than a mere corporate gathering; it is a national imperative that seeks to transform Liberia’s hydrocarbon sector into a primary engine of growth.
A Vision for Transformation
Fabian M. Lai, Acting CEO/President of NOCAL, set an assertive tone for the retreat, affirming the energy sector’s alignment with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda. “Today, we are operationalizing a vision for Liberia’s energy future,” Lai declared. Together, we are setting a definitive course to elevate Liberia’s hydrocarbon sector to unprecedented heights and establish it as a cornerstone of national transformation.”
Lai acknowledged the strong leadership of President Boakai and NOCAL Chairperson, Cllr—Gloria M. Scott, whose guidance is crucial in steering the nation toward its energy goals. “Our collective resolve will catapult Liberia’s energy future to global prominence,” he asserted.
Key Goals and Strategic Objectives
Over the next 72 hours, NOCAL will intently focus on critical areas:
– Accelerating Hydrocarbon Exploration: The retreat will formulate actionable strategies to expedite exploration while maintaining environmental sustainability, an essential concern for local communities and international investors.
– Value Chain Optimization: NOCAL is committed to streamlining operations from exploration to distribution, ensuring sustainable growth and effective management of Liberia’s hydrocarbon resources.
– Governance Excellence: This retreat will establish the foundations for strengthening governance within Liberia’s energy sector, guaranteeing ethical investments, transparency, and adherence to international best practices.
– Building Strategic Partnerships: NOCAL will solidify alliances with global leaders in hydrocarbon-rich nations like Nigeria and Ghana, fostering robust Government-to-Government (G2G) collaborations.
A Call to Action: Tough Questions for the Future:
A defining moment of the retreat occurred when Lai posed vital questions that would determine the trajectory of Liberia’s energy sector. “How do we evade the resource curse while ensuring that the wealth generated benefits every Liberian?” Lai challenged the attendees, emphasizing the critical need for transparency, governance, and meaningful local impact.
Hon. Lai demanded concrete actions to operationalize the 2% Community Development Fund, promote gender inclusion in energy entrepreneurship, and prepare the local workforce for the rapidly expanding sector.
A Commitment to National Development:
The retreat featured empowering remarks from Cllr. Gloria M. Scott, Chairperson of NOCAL’s Board of Directors. She echoed the imperative that Liberia’s resources be a development beacon. “These resources must be utilized to construct schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure for our people,” Scott asserted.
Representing President Boakai, Minister of State Without Portfolio Samuel Steve Stevquoah delivered a powerful message affirming the government’s commitment to transparency and governance within the hydrocarbon sector. He expressed regret for President Boakai’s absence due to national duties but reinforced that Liberia’s energy future is inseparably linked to the success of the ARREST Agenda.
Building Liberia’s Energy Future: A Shared Responsibility:
As the retreat progresses, all stakeholders are united in their mission to transform Liberia’s hydrocarbon resources into a sustainable pillar for the nation’s economy. With a strong emphasis on job creation, industrialization, and community empowerment, this retreat aims to position Liberia’s energy sector as a catalyst for nationwide prosperity.
“Every barrel of oil must carry the promise of development—roads, schools, clinics, and jobs for every Liberian,” the Minister of State asserted.
The outcomes of this strategic retreat will decisively shape Liberia’s path toward energy security, governance reform, and economic revitalization. With NOCAL leading the charge, Liberia is strategically poised to harness its vast energy resources for long-term, sustainable benefits.
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