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Ladies and Gentlemen:

On behalf of the National Oil Company of Liberia, I warmly and sincerely welcome each of you. Today, we gather to celebrate a milestone that reflects both Liberia’s future and NOCAL’s journey. This headquarters is more than just bricks and glass; it stands as a symbol of national ambition, shared perseverance, and the unwavering belief that responsible leadership is key to building a brighter energy future for Liberia.
Today signifies more than just the opening of a building—it embodies a longstanding vision for our nation’s energy future and stands as a powerful symbol of what we can accomplish through perseverance, partnership, and national pride.

Historical Dream and Personal Connection:
Twenty-three years after NOCAL’s founding, we finally stand at our own permanent home¾a, dream realized through resilience, teamwork, and steadfast dedication to national service. This moment belongs to every employee who kept faith, every partner who believed, and every Liberian who hopes for a stronger economy and a secure energy future.

This moment marks the culmination of a journey that began for me in 2010, when I first joined NOCAL. Even then, the dream of a headquarters that reflects the stature and mission of our national oil company was a clear and urgent priority. NOCAL sought and received President Sirleaf's approval to transform the former National Housing Bank building on Ashmun Street into its new headquarters. That decision was a watershed moment that set the stage for what is happening today. NOCAL began a journey towards converting a national asset into a symbol of governance, safety, and accountability in our industry.

The 2010–2012 Milestone: Securing the Headquarters Site:
The road has not been easy. When Mr. Christopher Z. Neyor, former President & CEO, left, and leadership shifted, after 2011, the project was unfortunately put aside—a disappointment that tested our determination. However, that setback did not kill our spirit. It strengthened our commitment to protect the integrity of this national asset and to see the mission through to its proper end.

We heavily invested in that vision, putting over a million dollars into geotechnical and other research. But we all understand: the road to progress is rarely straight. When leadership shifted and momentum slowed, the project came to a halt. It was, for a time, left behind.
But in that pause, we learned our most important lesson: resilience isn’t optional, it’s essential. Institutional memory, relentless commitment, thought-leadership, and unwavering resolve are what turn national visions into a lasting legacy.

So we regrouped, refocused, and refused to let that vision die.
Undeterred, we persevered. Through collective grit and relentless effort, we transformed uncertainty into success; disbelief into reality; disappointment into opportunity; non-commerciality (dried holes) into rebranding and recalibration. Today, we stand proud in this new home, a different location but still at the heart of the capital. This building is a testament to our team's resilience, our nation's dedication, and the steady leadership of every CEO who has carried this dream before me.

This is our statement: NOCAL is here, built on resilience, driven by purpose, and prepared for the future.
Personal Redemption and Fulfillment:
Today, I am honored to stand before you, 15 years later after my first stint at NOCAL in 20210, entrusted by His Excellency, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., to fulfill a reimagined dream for our time. This leadership transition reminds us that national assets belong to the Liberian people and must endure beyond any single administration. With strong determination, we have achieved, completed, and opened this headquarters as a living symbol of stability, continuity, and national service.

This moment is more than a milestone; it is a testament. It reflects a powerful, undeniable truth: when purpose stays steadfast across administrations, when commitment outlasts political cycles, we don’t just build buildings — we build legacies. This headquarters stands as proof that continuity is the foundation of national progress, and that real transformation comes from patience, partnership, and persistent will.
Fifteen years later, what was once a blueprint is now a beacon. What was once a promise is now proof of what Liberia can accomplish when we refuse to let vision fade, and when leadership, both past and present, unite in the service of something greater than ourselves.

Acknowledgment of Pioneers and Builders:
This building stands on enriched history and national significance, on foundations set by those who came before me. We gather here today not as the first to dream, but as those who carried the torch onward. And in this moment of victory, we must honor their names.
We owe a special and lasting debt to two pioneering CEOs and one Officer-In-Charge who first championed this headquarters, who saw what we could become before the first brick was ever laid: the early trailblazers, Cllr: Saifuah Mai Gray, Hon. Jake Kabakollie, and my former boss, Attorney Rustonlyn S. Dennis.
Their leadership ignited the spark. Their foresight set the wheels of destiny in motion. They did the early, often unseen work, the work that transforms “impossible” into “inevitable.”
So let it be known: their contributions are not buried in old reports or forgotten memos. They are etched into the very steel of this structure, woven into the fabric of our ambition, and cemented in the legacy we celebrate today. We are not just building on their foundation; we are honoring their blueprint.

Gratitude to Early Leaders and Mentors:
My own journey here was opened by Dr. Fodee Kromah, NOCAL’s first CEO under President Sirleaf, who brought me into the company and paved the way for my career in public service and national development. I have also been continually guided by the wisdom and unwavering support of Mr. Christopher Z. Neyor, a mentor who remains a steadfast pillar as we navigate the complexities of our changing energy sector.
Today, as I work to meet the high expectations set by His Excellency, our President, I am truly thankful for the advice and support of those who stand with me, including Ms. Jackie Khoury, a former NOCAL Board member, whose insights and backing have been invaluable.

Strategic Significance of the Headquarters:
This new headquarters is more than just an office building; it's a statement. It enhances NOCAL’s corporate governance, operational efficiency, safety, and commitment, but more importantly, heralds the vision to rebrand NOCAL as an integrated oil and gas company. It inspires pride among our team and confidence among our partners. Most importantly, it serves as a tangible promise to the Liberian people: that their national oil company is founded on stability, transparency, and ambition—key factors driving investment, job creation, and sustainable growth in our energy sector.

Call to Action and Look Ahead:
As we cut this ribbon and open these doors today, we are not just inaugurating a building; we are starting a new chapter. This headquarters is our mission control. From here, our work accelerates with purpose: to modernize NOCAL with cutting-edge systems, to build local capacity that empowers Liberian talent, to foster transparency that earns public trust, and to deepen partnerships that drive shared prosperity.
Let me be clear: our commitment remains unwavering—to uphold the highest standards of safety, promote vigilant environmental stewardship, and ensure the responsible, transformative development of Liberia’s hydrocarbon resources. We are here to make sure that every barrel, every contract, and every opportunity benefits all Liberians.

In closing, I thank you once again, not only for your presence but also for your partnership in this historic journey. Today, we celebrate more than just finishing a building; we celebrate the unity of purpose that makes great achievements possible. I sincerely thank H.E President Boakai for the opportunity to complete this mission, and every leader, colleague, and partner who supported us along the way. May this headquarters stand as a symbol of Liberia’s energy integrity, innovation, and national pride for generations to come.
My gratitude goes to our outstanding Board of Directors, led by the formidable Justice Gloria Maya Musu-Scott, my ambitious and supportive Vice Presidents, our dedicated NOCAL staff, Hasan Kobeissi, our contractor from BMC, our partners at the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and every stakeholder who has contributed to strengthening our governance and operations. 

To the People of Liberia—May this headquarters symbolize perseverance, integrity, and the enduring partnership between the nation and those dedicated to its progress. May it remind us that responsible energy leadership fosters lasting wealth, opportunity, and dignity for all Liberians.
I invite everyone to take a tour of the facility, observe our team's dedication, and reaffirm our shared commitment to building a prosperous and sustainable Liberia.
Thank you all. May God bless NOCAL, and may He forever bless the Republic of Liberia and our President.