MONROVIA: Liberian business tycoon and Chair on Trade and Commerce at the Liberia Business Association, Dominic Nimley, has sharply criticized Liberians in the diaspora, urging them to contribute more to the country’s economic development.
Appearing on the State Radio, Nimley compared their efforts to those of West African counterparts, notably Ghanaians and Nigerians, who have helped drive growth in their home countries.
“Shame on you,” Nimley declared, addressing Liberians abroad. “You have the resources, you have the connections, yet you’re not using them to help build this country. Instead, you come here to spend money and party, while others from neighboring countries are seeing opportunities and creating wealth.”
Nimley pointed out how countries like Ghana have been able to progress due to the active involvement of their citizens both at home and abroad. “Ghana’s growth today isn’t just because of the government; 60% of it comes from the efforts of its citizens, especially those in the diaspora. But here, many of us think the government should do everything,” he remarked.
He lamented Liberia’s stalled progress, contrasting it with the success of other West African nations. “Liberia helped many Ghanaians relocate to America under resettlement programs,” he recalled. “Now, look at Ghana—it’s thriving, while we remain stuck. Why? Because we’re not investing in ourselves.”
Nimley also highlighted the stark infrastructure deficiencies in Liberia, using local banks as an example of poor planning. “How many banks do we have without parking lots? In Nigeria or Ghana, you can’t open a bank without space for 50 to 100 cars. Yet here, banks like UBA, Echo Bank, and GT Bank operate without proper facilities. How can we develop like this?”
Nimley also pushed for stronger government support, calling for the full enforcement of the liberalization policy to favor Liberian businesses. “We need access to funds, low-interest loans, and protection from foreign competitors. Right now, foreign companies dominate our markets, and that’s suffocating local businesses.”
As a successful businessman, Nimley emphasized the critical role that the private sector must play in Liberia’s development. “Without the private sector, there is no economy,” he said. “It’s the local businesses that drive economic activity, not foreign companies who are here to exploit and leave.”
On a more optimistic note, Nimley shared his vision for Liberia’s future, suggesting that with the right government partnership, Liberia could see immediate results. “If I sit down with President Boakai today, I guarantee that I could bring in 10 companies within six months, creating 6,000 jobs,” he boldly claimed. “But that requires the government to make the right moves, attract investors, and support the private sector.”
Nimley challenged both the government and Liberians, especially those in the diaspora, to step up. “We are not enemies of the government; we are partners. It’s time we stop waiting for foreign help. We can build this country ourselves if we work together.”
His remarks serve as both a wake-up call to diaspora Liberians and a challenge to the government to create an environment conducive to growth, where local entrepreneurs and foreign investors alike can help Liberia reach its full potential.