MONROVIA – Employees of the Ministry of Transport (MOT) gathered outside their headquarters on recently, voicing their opposition to the takeover of vehicle registration and driver’s licensing by Liberia Traffic Management (LTM).
The decision, which is expected to be made effective on July 13, has sparked fears among MOT staff about job security and the implications for government revenue.
The crux of the controversy lies in the financial terms of the concession agreement, which grants LTM a staggering US$40 million for a period of 25 years. Under the agreement, LTM will retain 70% of the revenue generated from vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses, leaving the Government of Liberia with just 30%.
Employees argue that this disproportionate revenue split undermines the government’s fiscal health and their job security.
At the heart of the protest was the concern that the privatization of these essential services would render many MOT employees jobless.
“We feel betrayed,” one employee, who asked to remain anonymous, said during the protest. “This agreement not only takes our jobs but also prioritizes profit over public service. How can our government stand by and allow this to happen?”
The protesters held placards reading “Save Our Jobs!” and “Public Service First!” as they called for government intervention to reverse the decision.
They emphasized the importance of maintaining control over essential services like vehicle registration and licensing to ensure accountability and transparency.
MOT employees are not alone in their concerns, as various civil society groups have expressed solidarity, urging the government to reconsider the concession agreement.
They argue that a fairer revenue distribution model could protect jobs and enhance public service delivery.
The Ministry of Transport and the LTM have yet to release an official statement addressing the employees’ concerns. As the situation unfolds, many are watching closely to see how the Liberian government will respond to this outcry from its workers.
Without significant changes, the future of vehicle registration and driver licensing in Liberia—and the livelihoods of many MOT employees—hang in the balance.
Residents of Monrovia have voiced their opinions, with some supporting the employees’ right to protest while others question the decision to involve private management in a critical public service sector. The debate surrounding this takeover highlights the ongoing struggle between privatization and public employment in Liberia’s evolving economy.
As tensions rise, the future of the agreement remains uncertain, and further protests are expected if the concerns of MOT employees are not addressed.
