LIBERIAN President Joseph Boakai has suspended the Chief Executive Officer of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), Rustonlyn Suacoco Dennis, following allegations of corruption. The suspension, announced on February 8, comes after recommendations from NOCAL’s Board of Directors and signals the government’s stance on promoting transparency and accountability.
Allegations of financial mismanagement
Dennis faces accusations of inflating the cost of a company vehicle, mismanaging funds, and improperly awarding contracts. According to media reports, Dennis allegedly recorded the cost of an SUV purchased for NOCAL at $75,000, while its actual price was reportedly $45,000.
Further investigations suggest that she attempted to persuade the car dealership to inflate the invoice to match the higher figure. When the dealership refused, Dennis is alleged to have used the $30,000 difference to purchase another vehicle, which was registered under her private company, Tanti Group, specialising in sanitation services.
Government response and ongoing investigation
President Boakai ordered Dennis to hand over all government property to an interim team led by Fabian Michael Lai, NOCAL’s Vice President for Operations. In his official statement, Boakai emphasised his administration’s commitment to ‘transparency, accountability, and good governance.’
Liberia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has launched a formal investigation into the matter. Preliminary findings suggest the alleged corrupt activities occurred between July and December 2024. Dennis has been summoned to respond to these allegations, which extend beyond the vehicle purchase.
Further allegations: contract irregularities and misused funds
In addition to the vehicle scandal, Dennis is under scrutiny for her role in awarding a $585,000 consultancy contract to West Africa Geo-Services (WAGS) without adhering to Liberia’s public financial management laws. The investigation alleges that she authorised a $300,000 payment to WAGS without proper procedures.
Moreover, Dennis is accused of mismanaging funds allocated for corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Reports claim these funds were diverted to support political allies in her home district in Montserrado County, raising concerns about the misuse of public resources for personal political gain.
Dennis responds to allegations
In a statement on her Facebook page dated February 3, Dennis denied the accusations, describing them as politically motivated. She claimed the official vehicle in question was purchased for $42,000, not the reported $75,000, and insisted that she does not have unilateral authority over financial transactions at NOCAL.
‘It was important for the CEO to have additional vehicles for operational purposes used by staff,’ Dennis stated, defending the purchase of the extra vehicle.
A broader commitment to good governance
Dennis, a former member of Liberia’s parliament, now faces a comprehensive investigation that could have far-reaching implications for NOCAL and Liberia’s broader efforts to combat corruption. President Boakai’s swift action underscores the government’s pledge to uphold integrity within public institutions.
The LACC’s findings will determine the next steps, with potential legal consequences if the allegations are substantiated. This case also highlights the critical role of civil society in holding public officials accountable, as the initial revelations were brought to light by Liberian activist Martin Kollie.
As the investigation unfolds, Liberia’s commitment to transparency and good governance will be put to the test, setting a precedent for how corruption cases are handled in the future.
