By: Nathaniel Emmanuel Davis–
Monrovia, Liberia: A wave of unrest swept, as some aggrieved Taxi drivers on Monday, July 28, 2025, were seen on Liberia’s roadways protesting against a concession agreement signed between the government of Liberia and an American company called, the Liberia Traffic Management (LTM).
The 25 year concession agreement between the government of Liberia and LTM, greenlights the company exclusive control over key services in the transport sector, including vehicle registration, driver’s licensing, traffic enforcement, vehicle inspection, and the issuance of traffic violation tickets, in collaboration with the Liberia National Police.
The protesters, mostly commercial drivers accused the company of harassment and what they refer to as an unjust treatment from both the Liberian government and the LTM management.
Organized under the banner, “Collaborating Transport Union” resulted in the delivery of a petition to the house of representatives.
Reading the statement on behalf of the union, was Prince Gibson — public relations officer of the group. He emphasized deep unease over the handling of biometric data collected during vehicle registration and driver’s license processing. He argued that placing such sensitive information under LTM’s control poses a serious security threat to both drivers and the broader public.
Gibson also criticized enforcement actions by the Liberia National Police (LNP), claiming that some drivers receive more than three traffic citations within a single week.
“This is not just about fines,” he stated. “This is about survival. Drivers are being pushed to the brink”.
In contrast, the Liberia Traffic Management (LTM) dismissed the claims, defending its practices and lauding the controversial biometric system at the heart of the drivers’ concerns.
LTM emphasized that the biometric data system is not a threat, but rather a significant step forwarding in modernizing Liberia’s transportation infrastructure.
According to the agency, the system improves transparency, reduces fraud, and enhances national security.
“The biometric initiative is a game changer for the sector,” LTM Manager, Fadi Awaida said, adding that the system will ultimately benefit drivers by creating a more accountable and efficient regulatory framework.
Also expressing their view on the issue, some taxi drivers at Eternal Love Winning Africa (ELWA) junction, praised LTM for coming in to help transform the transport sector, while urging his colleagues to remain calm and follow the process.
“It takes less than an hour now to get a driver’s license at LTM. Is that not a big boost for our transport sector”?, one of the drivers asked.
While the LTM’s defense may re-assure some, tensions remain high as commercial drivers demand reforms that balance regulation with fairness.
