—–says unilateral re-imposition by Police Undermines Economic Growth
Amos Nyumah Sr, the President of the Federation of Motorcycles and Tricycles Association of Liberia, “NAFOMTAL,” has blasted police IG imposition of “No-Go Zone” Policy terming it as ‘Unjust’ and considers the policy as Counterproductive Measure against the Motorcyclist.
He however said, they wish to firmly reiterate their strong opposition to the unilateral re-imposition of the NAFOMTALNo-Go Zone” restrictions on commercial motorcyclists by the Liberia National Police (LNP). He reiterated, the policy which now prohibits riders from operating in certain parts of Monrovia and other urban centers, directly contradicts the Stakeholders resolution reached after weeks of negotiations involving the LNP, Ministry of Transport, Interfaith groups, civil society partners, ECOWAS, CRS, and their federation. This agreement was fully endorsed by the Vice President of the Republic of Liberia Jeremiah Koung endorsed.
Mr. Nyumah further said, under that resolution, it was clearly stated that any motorcyclist complying with national transport laws—including registration, insurance, licensing, helmet usage, reflective gear, and protective footwear—would be permitted to operate freely, without intimidation or seizure of property.
Unfortunately, this agreement was set aside without consultation following an isolated incident in early 2025, where unidentified individuals vandalized police property. Instead of investigating and bringing the actual perpetrators to justice. The LNP broadly blamed motorcyclists and launched a retaliatory campaign involving mass arrests, brutalization, and the impounding of numerous motorcycles, he added.
Speaking from his official office in Central Monrovia, Mr Nyumah elaborated, excessive Use of Force and Human Rights Violations across several counties—including Montserrado, Bong, Nimba, and Grand Bassa, there have been well-documented instances of extrajudicial actions against riders.
He added, recently, motorcyclists holding valid driver’s licenses have had their motorcycles seized and impounded without being issued proper violation tickets. Many have yet to recover their properties, despite police claims to the contrary which they view as a gross violation of Liberia’s traffic laws.
According to the Union President general, in March 2025, the Deputy Police Director for Operations, Nelson Freeman, allegedly issued disturbing threats against riders, stating, “Get ready to bury more cyclists.” Such rhetoric raises serious concerns about abuse of power and blatant human right violations.
He said, there are also numerous credible reports of police brutality during enforcement of the so-called “No-Go Zones.” For example, a rider was reportedly struck by a police pickup in the Congo Town area, left critically injured, and had his motorcycle confiscated.
These incidents are not isolated—they reflect a disturbing pattern of excessive force, targeted aggression, and a breakdown in communication between the police and leadership within the motorcyclists sector.
Notifying Political Interference and Union Fragmentation, Nyumah disgorged,
they are deeply troubled by the increasing politicization of rider unions. Notably, the recent alignment between the government—through the LNP—and a politically affiliated union led by Unity Party Chairman Hon. Luther Tarpeh who serves as Board Chairman and Mr. John Kayon its President and also Deputy Director of Communications at the Freeport of Monrovia who presented a clear conflict of interest. This dual role undermines the neutrality and independence that trade unions are mandated to uphold.
Since this alliance emerged, our federation—a merger of all thirteen legally registered motorcycle unions in Liberia—has been systematically excluded from key policy consultations. This exclusion violates both the Labour Laws of Liberia and international conventions protecting the rights of trade unions.
I want the public to be aware of Poor Road Infrastructure and Rising Accident Risks in our country Nyumah alarmed.
The lack of proper road infrastructure and signage, especially in rural and peri-urban communities, remains a significant threat to the safety of riders and passengers. In Lofa, Gbarpolu, River Gee, and similar areas, poor road conditions during the rainy season render many routes nearly impassable—yet motorcyclists are still expected to operate, placing their lives at great risk.
In Kakata, a recent motorcycle collision injured an unidentified 67-year-old man, who was rushed to a nearby clinic. Authorities have yet to release further information on the incident, and investigations are ongoing.
In January 2024, two riders and a pregnant woman tragically lost their lives along the Rivercess-Sinoe Southeast corridor when a collapsed bridge—left unrepaired for months—gave way. Despite being informed of the danger, the Ministry of Public Works has failed to act.
In terms of Youth Vulnerability and Lack of Alternative Livelihoods,
over 70% of our riders are youth aged between 18 and 35—many of them are high school dropouts or unemployed graduates. Rather than being seen as a public menace, the motorcycle transport sector has given them dignity, a source of income, and a way to serve their communities. However, the absence of vocational training programs, financing opportunities, and inclusion in national employment strategies has left them vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and criminal profiling.
another factor that effects our riders is Unregulated Importation and Market Oversaturation.
The unregulated importation of substandard motorcycles, combined with the lack of a national policy on fleet regulation, has resulted in market oversaturation—particularly in Monrovia. Riders are now forced to compete fiercely for passengers, leading to reduced incomes and an increase in accidents.
NAFMTAL proposed a national motorcycle registry and a zoning system to address these issues, but our proposals remain unimplemented.
We however, want to recommend to the Government of Liberia and the Liberia National Police to:
Immediately lift the “No-Go Zone” restrictions and return to the negotiation table with all stakeholders.
-Investigate and prosecute cases of police brutality, and provide compensation to victims and affected families.
-Respect the autonomy of trade unions and end political interference in sectoral leadership.
-Improve road infrastructure and signage, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities.
- Introduce financing and vocational training programs for young riders, in line with the ARREST Agenda and national youth empowerment initiatives.
-Regulate motorcycle importation and licensing to prevent overcrowding and promote road safety.
Lastly, we want to caution all political actors, pressure groups, and civil society organizations to refrain from exploiting vulnerable riders to instigate protests against the government. Such actions only serve to undermine our work, provoke public fear, and erode trust in our sector.
Let it be clearly stated: NAFMTAL does not support protest actions as a means of resolving conflict. Our commitment is to peaceful dialogue, policy advocacy, and national development.
We are not the enemy. We are your transport providers, your neighbors, and your partners in building a better Liberia. The sooner we begin to engage constructively, the better for us all.
