In a decisive response to the many challenges facing Liberia’s primary air gateway, the Speaker of the Liberian House of Representatives Richard N. Koon visited the offices and facilities of the Roberts International Airport (RIA), on Wednesday, October 09, 2025.

This important inspection was undertaken at the official invitation of the Director General of the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority Mr. Julius D. Dennis, Jr., who had earlier paid a courtesy visit to Speaker Koon, outlining the critical safety risks threatening the airport’s operations.

Mr. Dennis’ detailed briefing on the malfunctioning navigation systems and other operational deficiencies prompted Speaker Koon’s engagement, reinforcing the urgent need to address Liberia’s faltering aviation safety infrastructure.

During the visit, Speaker Koon stressed that ensuring safe skies for Liberia is a matter of national priority. “The essence of this visit is to see firsthand the issues Mr. Dennis brought to our attention,” the Speaker said. “There are safety gadgets, especially the navigation systems, that are not working properly. Liberia failed an international aviation audit in 2022, and we cannot continue down this path. We must fly safe,” Speaker Koon emphasized.

Mr. Dennis provided candid insights into Liberia’s poor performance in the 2022 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit.

“Liberia failed miserably in that audit,” he acknowledged. “Two major safety deficiencies stand out: our Navigation Aids (NavAids) and the flight procedural designs. Our immediate priority is to resolve these issues to elevate our aviation sector to meet global standards.”

The Director General expressed optimism that Speaker Koon’s visit signals a renewed government commitment to aviation reform.

“Addressing these challenges hinges on funding,” Dennis explained. “We must replace outdated equipment, improve fire and rescue services, and modernize weather systems to ensure safety.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Liberia Airport Authority Board of Directors, Mr. Massaquoi M. Kamara, Sr., welcomed Speaker Koon’s direct assessment of the situation. “Our airport’s safety is compromised by severe resource gaps,” Kamara said. “Currently, we have only two functional fire trucks, but need at least four, with each truck costing around a million United States Dollars. The Doppler Very High Frequency Omni Directional Range popularly known in aviation as the DVOR navigation system alone requires about $5.4 million; this piece of equipment is an aviation radio navigation system that helps aircraft determine their position and course by transmitting radio signals from ground stations. These systems, not just the passenger terminal, are what keep the airport operational and safe.”

Speaker Koon assured all aviation stakeholders of the Legislature’s resolve to prioritize safety in the 2026 national budget. “Operating below international standards is unacceptable. Our navigation and safety systems must work perfectly to guarantee safe flights in Liberia. Air safety is not a privilege; it is a necessity,” the Speaker declared.

The visit was part of a broader nationwide initiative by House Speaker Richard Koon to assess key state institutions, ensuring vital facilities meet international benchmarks and serve the Liberian people effectively.