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    Lofa County Senator Momo Cyrus Speaks On Vehicle’s Registration And Driver’s License Issuance Functions To Foriegn Entity

    2 months ago

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    Lofa County Senator Momo Tarnuekollie Cyrus, Chair of the Senate Committee on Defense, Security, Intelligence, and Veteran Affairs, has issued a forceful condemnation of Liberia’s decision to outsource its vehicle registration and driver’s license issuance functions to Liberia Traffic Management (LTM), a foreign-controlled entity. This decision, scheduled to take effect on July 13, 2025, has sparked widespread concern among lawmakers, security experts, and civil society, with Senator Cyrus leading the chorus of opposition.

    In a strongly worded statement, Senator Cyrus emphasized that outsourcing such vital national functions constitutes a grave misjudgment with serious implications for Liberia’s sovereignty, security, and economic stability. “Let it be made abundantly clear: no sovereign nation entrusts the custody, issuance, and regulation of vital identification and vehicular data to a foreign commercial interest,” Cyrus declared. “This act dangerously exposes Liberia to the risk of data breaches, undermines our control over transportation systems, and creates a direct pipeline for the exploitation of sensitive citizen information.”

    The senator underscored that national security is not a commodity to be sold or outsourced lightly. The functions being transferred — which include biometric data collection, geographic tracking, identity verification, and monitoring of vehicular movement — are core components of Liberia’s internal security infrastructure. “From terrorism prevention and border control to law enforcement coordination, every aspect of modern security relies on our domestic control of licensing and registration data,” Cyrus asserted. “Handing these over to a foreign entity weakens our capacity to protect our citizens and maintain order.”

    Beyond security concerns, Senator Cyrus expressed alarm over the economic implications of the deal. Under the terms of the 2019 agreement with LTM, the foreign firm retains 70% of all revenue generated from vehicle registration services, including license plates, driver’s licenses, and roadworthiness certificates. This arrangement, he argued, deprives Liberia of much-needed revenue and hampers the development of a sustainable, domestically controlled transportation sector.

    Cyrus also pointed out that the outsourcing undermines national sovereignty, setting a dangerous precedent that could lead to further erosion of Liberia’s control over critical infrastructure. “Our sovereignty is non-negotiable,” he emphasized. “Entrusting such sensitive functions to a foreign-controlled company compromises our independence and leaves us vulnerable to external influence and manipulation.”

    The decision has faced mounting criticism from various quarters. Civil society groups have called for transparent review processes and greater public consultation before such a significant shift in policy. Security experts warn that reliance on foreign entities for vital data could jeopardize national security, especially if data falls into malicious hands or is exploited for geopolitical gains.

    The Liberia National Police, in a recent public statement, confirmed the implementation date but failed to address the concerns raised. Instead, officials reiterated their commitment to the deal, citing efficiency and modernization as key priorities.

    Senator Cyrus concluded his statement by urging the government to reconsider the outsourcing plan, prioritize domestic capacity building, and strengthen national control over security-critical functions. “Our nation’s security and sovereignty must never be compromised for short-term economic gains or technological convenience,” he said. “We owe it to our citizens to safeguard their data, their safety, and our national independence.”

    As the July 2025 deadline approaches, the debate over Liberia’s approach to managing vital transportation data continues to intensify, with many calling for urgent action to protect the country’s sovereignty and security interests.

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