London, United Kingdom November 6, 2026—The Republic of Liberia has fulfilled its annual financial obligation to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), paying £5,946,633.00 (Five Million, Nine Hundred Forty-Six Thousand, Six Hundred Thirty-Three British Pounds) in annual assessed contributions.
Presenting a symbolic cheque to IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Liberia’s Maritime Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., emphasized that the timely payment demonstrates Liberia’s unwavering commitment to the IMO, its institutional programmes, and the continued advancement of international shipping.
As the world’s largest ship registry, Liberia remains the IMO’s largest financial contributor, with its annual assessed contribution accounting for approximately 15 percent of the Organization’s annual operational budget.
Commissioner Lighe reaffirmed Liberia’s determination to maintain its exemplary standing within the Organization.
“Liberia takes its obligations to the IMO as a serious national obligation. As a global maritime leader and Category-A member of the IMO Council, we remain firmly committed to fulfilling our responsibilities promptly and supporting the Organization’s vital mission of advancing safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable international shipping,” Commissioner Lighe stated.
Receiving the symbolic cheque, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed appreciation to the Government of Liberia for its timely payment and longstanding commitment to the Organization.
Secretary-General Dominguez acknowledged that Liberia’s contribution extends far beyond its financial obligations. He praised the country’s active and constructive participation in the IMO’s technical working groups, committees, and Council deliberations, describing Liberia’s representation at the Organization as effective, efficient, and highly engaged.
He further recognized Liberia’s important role in advancing the IMO’s mandate and strengthening international maritime cooperation.
Commissioner Lighe was accompanied to the presentation ceremony by Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the IMO, Ambassador Robert Wilmot Kpadeh; Alternate Permanent Representative, Dr. Harry Conway; and staff of the Liberia Permanent Mission to the IMO.
Liberia’s timely payment further reinforces its standing as a responsible flag State, a dependable international maritime partner, and a leading voice in global maritime governance.
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