MONROVIA – Two members of the Liberian Senate have formally requested the intervention of the Senate in what they describe as a growing jurisdictional conflict between the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) and the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) over the implementation of Liberia’s Petroleum Law.
In a communication addressed to Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence on June 1, 2026, Senators Amara M. Konneh of Gbarpolu County and Jonathan Boye Charles Sogbie of River Gee County expressed concern that the dispute could undermine investor confidence, regulatory transparency, revenue generation, and the overall governance of Liberia’s petroleum sector.
The lawmakers argued that the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act of 2014 clearly established separate mandates for the two institutions, with NOCAL operating as a commercial state-owned enterprise and the LPRA serving as the independent regulator of the upstream petroleum industry.
According to the senators, reports indicate that NOCAL recently entered into agreements with two foreign companies, GeoPartners and Searcher, authorizing them to conduct petroleum reconnaissance activities in Liberia without first obtaining licenses from the LPRA.
The senators contend that such activities may be inconsistent with Section 11.1 of the Petroleum Law, which provides that companies seeking to conduct reconnaissance surveys must apply to the LPRA for a reconnaissance license before undertaking geological, geophysical, geochemical, or geotechnical assessments.
They noted that while the statutory provision appears clear, NOCAL reportedly maintains that its actions are lawful, creating uncertainty regarding the interpretation and enforcement of the law.
The communication warns that allowing the disagreement to persist without clarification could weaken legal certainty in Liberia’s petroleum sector and create concerns among current and prospective investors.
As part of their request, the senators are urging the Senate to summon key government officials to appear before plenary and provide clarification on the matter.
Those proposed to be cited include the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Mines and Energy, the leadership of the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and the President of the National Oil Company of Liberia.
The lawmakers want the hearing to determine whether the activities being conducted by GeoPartners and Searcher qualify as reconnaissance petroleum operations under the law, whether such activities require licenses from the LPRA, whether any licenses have been issued, and where the legal boundaries lie between the responsibilities of NOCAL and the LPRA.
The senators are also seeking recommendations on possible regulatory, structural, or legislative reforms to prevent similar disputes in the future.
In addition to requesting a hearing, the lawmakers are calling on the Senate to require NOCAL to submit copies of its agreements with GeoPartners and Searcher for legislative review.
They further recommended that any ongoing engagements and petroleum-related activities connected to the agreements be suspended until the Senate completes its oversight review and provides guidance on the matter.
The senators emphasized that legislative oversight is essential to ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of Liberia’s natural resources. They argued that petroleum resources must be governed in strict compliance with laws enacted by the Legislature and in a manner that protects the national interest.
The communication is expected to spark debate within the Senate as lawmakers consider whether to launch a formal inquiry into the dispute and clarify the respective mandates of the country’s petroleum institutions.
Observers say the outcome could have significant implications for Liberia’s efforts to attract investment into its oil and gas sector while maintaining regulatory certainty and public confidence in the management of natural resources.
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