LLA Introduces Mandatory Nat’l Land Use Permit System | News

The Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), has introduced a sweeping nationwide land governance reform requiring mandatory permits for all land use, development activities, and large-scale investments across the country.

In a statement issued over the weekend, the LLA said the new system is intended to strengthen land governance, improve development control, enhance environmental protection, and ensure sustainable management of land resources nationwide. 

The Authority explained that the reforms are grounded in existing legal instruments, stating that they are “established pursuant to the Liberia Land Authority Act of 2016, the Land Rights Act of 2018, and the National Land Use and Management Policy, approved by the LLA Board of Commissioners in April 2026.”

The LLA said the new framework introduces three major regulatory instruments: the Temporary Occupancy Permit (TOP), the Land Use, Management and Development Permit System, and the Surface Land Use Right and Permitting System.

The Authority announced that the Temporary Occupancy Permit will replace previous informal arrangements for occupying public land. It stated, “Effective immediately, Squatter Rights Permit or Certificate issued for the temporary use of public land by authorities of cities, townships, and other local government structures in the fifteen counties of Liberia is hereby replaced by Temporary Occupancy Permit (TOP).”

It further clarified the nature of the new system, noting that “the TOP is a revocable permit issued by the LLA for one (1) to five (5) years and renewable annually. It grants temporary use rights to public land but does not confer ownership or permit construction of permanent structures.” The Authority added that “TOP shall be the only recognized instrument for the temporary occupation and use of public land nationwide,” and confirmed that issuance will be handled by the Land Use and Management Department (LUMD) through County Land Offices across the country.

The LLA also issued a strict warning on land development, stating that “no individual, institution, company, concessionaire, developer, or construction entity shall commence any land development activity anywhere in Liberia without first obtaining a Land Use, Management, and Development Permit from the Liberia Land Authority.” It said this requirement covers residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, infrastructure, housing, subdivision, reclamation, and other development projects.

The Authority further announced the rollout of a Surface Land Use Right and Permitting System to regulate major economic activities including mining, logging, agriculture, quarrying, infrastructure development, exploration, and concessions. It stated that “all concessionaires, investors, and companies must obtain a Surface Land Use Permit from the Liberia Land Authority before commencing operations.”

The LLA also directed all current land occupants and operators to comply with the new system by October 1, 2026. It stated that “all persons, institutions, companies, concessionaires, developers, and investors currently occupying public land, undertaking land development activities, or engaged in land-based operations are required to register with the Liberia Land Authority and obtain the appropriate permits on or before October 1, 2026.” It warned that after the deadline, “any activity conducted without the required authorization shall be deemed non-compliant and subject to enforcement action.”

The Authority added that its Inspectorate and Enforcement Team, working with relevant government institutions, will ensure compliance nationwide, including issuing stop orders, suspending unauthorized activities, conducting inspections, and enforcing approved land-use regulations.

Applications for the new permits may be submitted at the Liberia Land Authority headquarters on Ashmun Street in Monrovia or at any County Land Office nationwide.