By Willie Bestman
MONROVIA, Liberia, October 5, 2026 — The National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) and Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL) have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to advance plans for a major logistics and shorebase facility in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, aimed at strengthening Liberia’s oil and gas sector.
The agreement was signed in London and is intended to enhance Liberia’s capacity to support petroleum operations by expanding local participation in the industry and increasing opportunities for Liberian businesses and workers.
Under the partnership, LADOL will provide technical leadership for the project, including securing financing, conducting a feasibility study, coordinating engineering design work, and supporting the construction and operation of the proposed shorebase. The feasibility study is expected to commence within 45 days and take approximately six months to complete.
According to NOCAL, the study will assess key project requirements, including land availability, waterfront and marine access, utility infrastructure, commercial and operational viability, and geotechnical and topographical conditions. It will also define the scope of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).
The Buchanan Shorebase Project was informed by lessons from Liberia’s previous offshore drilling campaign, during which many critical oilfield services, including logistics, supply chain management, waste disposal, and specialist technical support, were sourced from neighboring countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Senegal.
NOCAL said the reliance on external service providers resulted in significant economic activity and employment opportunities being generated outside Liberia. The proposed shorebase is expected to help retain a larger share of those benefits within the country as petroleum exploration and drilling activities expand under existing and future agreements.
“Our goal is to ensure that the jobs, the contracts, and the opportunities stay right here in Liberia,” said Fabian M. Lai, President and Chief Executive Officer of NOCAL.
LADOL Executive Chairman Sir Oladipo Ladi Jadesimi said the agreement reflects the company’s confidence in Liberia’s petroleum potential and its commitment to advancing local content development across West Africa.
Jadesimi said LADOL intends to work closely with NOCAL to help build a sustainable oil and gas industry that enables Liberian businesses and workers to benefit directly from the country’s natural resources.
The agreement also establishes a Joint Steering Committee to oversee project implementation and includes provisions for negotiating definitive project agreements. In addition, it contains confidentiality and non-circumvention clauses designed to protect the interests of both parties.
Once completed, the Buchanan Shorebase is expected to provide logistics, technical, and support services to international oil companies operating in Liberia, while creating new opportunities for local enterprises, service providers, and skilled workers.
Editor’s Note
A shorebase serves as an operational hub for offshore oil and gas activities, providing logistics, supply chain, storage, maintenance, and other support services required for exploration and production operations.
