July 4, 2025
The Senate Joint Committee on Post and Telecommunications, Judiciary, and Security has called for significant changes to the National Cybersecurity Bill, which is currently under review for passage.
During deliberations, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications—the sector lead—and the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) presented strong arguments in support of the Bill. They emphasized that the legislation is essential for:

• Protecting Liberia’s internet space, and
•  Safeguarding critical national infrastructure.

LTA Acting Chairperson Clarence K. Massaquoi described the Bill as a necessary first step: “It’s a start—a foundation to build upon—and may be amended later to cover other grounds.”  From the financial sector, CBL representative Charles Dennis highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity across both financial and social institutions. He reaffirmed the CBL’s role in leading the fight against cybercrimes and urged lawmakers to see the Bill as an urgent and necessary measure.
However, the Senate Committee outlined several areas that require revision. Key recommendations included:

• Conducting a fiscal impact study to assess the cost of implementing the Bill over the next five years, a task assigned to the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications.
• Domesticating the Bill by introducing clearer legal definitions and stronger provisions.
• Addressing concerns over what the Committee described as excessive executive discretion in the current infrastructure proposals.

The Committee’s recommendations will undergo further review and adjustments before the Bill proceeds. The LTA, meanwhile, has pledged full cooperation, expressing openness to revising any part of the legislation to ensure its eventual passage.
“Passing this Bill is a critical first step,” the LTA emphasized, “toward strengthening Liberia’s national cybersecurity framework and protecting citizens from growing digital threats.“