The Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), Neto Zarzar Lighe, described Liberia as a “beacon of perseverance,” highlighting the country’s enduring resilience in the face of adversity.
He made the statement at the Annual General Assembly of the European Federation of Liberian Associations (EFLA) in Antwerp, Belgium,
The event also marked the 178th Independence Day of Liberia, drawing members of the Liberian diaspora from across Europe.
Addressing the audience, Commissioner Lighe paid tribute to the tenacity of the Liberian people who, despite enduring decades of conflict, political instability, and economic hardship, have remained committed to democracy, peace, and national sovereignty.
“Despite the trials we have endured, Liberia stands today with unyielding courage and dignity,” Commissioner Lighe stated. “From the ashes of war, we have risen into an era defined by peace, democratic continuity, and international engagement. Our journey is ongoing, but the path forward is marked by hope, opportunity, and transformation.”
Lighe lauded the role of the Liberian diaspora in shaping the nation’s trajectory, urging those abroad to see themselves as ambassadors of Liberia’s values, culture, and economic ambitions.
“Your presence in the diaspora is not just symbolic—it is strategic,” he noted. “You represent Liberia on the global stage. Your unity, patriotism, and engagement are essential to our country’s development agenda.”
The Commissioner also highlighted Liberia’s status as a global maritime leader. With more than 5,600 vessels flying its flag, Liberia now maintains the largest ship registry in the world, representing approximately 17% of the global fleet.
Tracing the sector’s origins back to 1949—when the World Peace became the first vessel registered under the Liberian flag—Lighe noted the significant evolution of Liberia’s open registry, which has become a key pillar of the national economy.
“At LiMA, we go beyond registering ships,” he explained. “We are responsible for maritime safety, regulatory compliance, and the protection of marine ecosystems, in accordance with international standards.”
Commissioner Lighe acknowledged ongoing challenges facing the sector, including outdated maritime legislation, limited coastal surveillance capabilities, and underdeveloped port infrastructure outside Monrovia.
However, he framed these not as obstacles, but as “opportunities in disguise”—calling on the diaspora and private sector to invest in the industry’s transformation.
He spotlighted a surge in enrollment at the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) and recent investments in maritime education, including the construction of a new dormitory at the Regional Maritime University in Accra, Ghana—a commitment fulfilled by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
New regional offices have been opened in Buchanan, Harper, and Greenville to improve monitoring and inspections. Additionally, for the first time since independence, Liberia has launched domestic shipbuilding initiatives to support short-sea shipping operations along the West African coast.
“We must not repeat the mistakes of past missed opportunities.
