Monrovia, Liberia – The President of the National Rubber Brokers and Farmers Union of Liberia (NARBFUL), James W. Sayekea, has alleged that Executive Order No. 166, issued by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, was influenced by Minister of Agriculture Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah.
Speaking on the impact of the executive order, Sayekea claimed the Agriculture Minister played a key role in shaping the policy, which he believes primarily benefits major rubber processing companies while placing an economic burden on local rubber farmers, brokers, and smallholder producers.
President Boakai signed Executive Order No. 166 as part of his administration’s efforts to reform Liberia’s rubber sector. The order seeks to encourage domestic processing of natural rubber by restricting the export of unprocessed rubber. According to the government, the policy is intended to increase value addition, create employment opportunities, strengthen local industries, improve export earnings, and stimulate economic growth by ensuring more rubber is processed within Liberia rather than exported in its raw form.
The administration has argued that promoting local processing will attract investment in rubber manufacturing, expand industrial capacity, and enable Liberia to earn greater value from one of its key agricultural exports.
However, the executive order has generated strong opposition from several stakeholders within the rubber sector. NARBFUL maintains that the restrictions have reduced competition among buyers, resulting in lower farm-gate prices for raw rubber and making it more difficult for smallholder farmers and brokers to earn sustainable incomes.
Sayekea said thousands of Liberians whose livelihoods depend on the rubber industry are being adversely affected by the policy. He urged President Boakai to review Executive Order No. 166 and engage farmers, brokers, processors, exporters, and other stakeholders in an inclusive dialogue to develop a policy that supports both industrial growth and the welfare of local producers.
The Ministry of Agriculture has rejected allegations that the executive order was designed to benefit any particular company. The Ministry has maintained that the policy serves the national interest by promoting value addition, increasing employment, and positioning Liberia’s rubber industry for long-term competitiveness.
As debate over Executive Order No. 166 continues, lawmakers and industry stakeholders are expected to continue discussions on its economic impact, with many calling for broader consultations to ensure that reforms support both national development objectives and the interests of Liberia’s rubber farmers.
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