Monrovia, Liberia – October 1, 2025 – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia offers clarification regarding the arrival of seventeen containers of palm kernel shells from Nigeria at the Freeport of Monrovia.

The consignment, referenced under Document # C11515, was initially scheduled for shipment to Portugal and was part of a larger vessel containing 368 containers—of which 163 were full and 205 were empty—according to shipment records. Within this shipment, 17 containers were found to hold palm kernel products infested with worms. These affected containers were consigned to Elsin Transport & Logistics for potential fumigation and disposal in Liberia. Elsin Transport & Logistics has since sought guidance from the EPA.

Upon the consignment’s arrival on September 18, 2025, the EPA directed that the containers remain in the custody of APM Terminals Liberia while random samples were collected for laboratory analysis and environmental risk assessment. This process adhered strictly to the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia and the Basel Convention, which Liberia is a party to.

The EPA confirms that independent laboratory analyses of the palm kernel shells revealed that the material is non-hazardous. Testing indicated no hazardous levels of heavy metals, oils, or contaminants, in compliance with Liberia’s disposal standards. In the interest of transparency, the EPA will publish a summary of the findings for public review. In the meantime, we are sharing related communication.

Palm kernel shells are not classified as hazardous waste. They are traded internationally for beneficial uses, including biomass fuel for renewable energy, organic fertilizers, and components for animal feed when properly processed. The proper assessment and management of such consignments are the EPA’s responsibility to protect Liberia’s environment and public health.

It is noteworthy that the EPA has previously rejected hazardous waste consignments that posed risks, such as a shipment returned to its country of origin in 2020 due to contamination concerns. This underscores that Liberia will not serve as a dumping ground for hazardous wastes. Each shipment is evaluated on its own merit, with decisions grounded in scientific evidence and legal standards.

The EPA has not authorized the disposal of the containers yet. The Agency has duly informed to Elsin Transport & Logistics about proper disposal methods. The Agency authorized the release of the containers from the port based on the laboratory findings.

The EPA remains committed to transparency and invites constructive engagement from civil society, the media, and academic institutions. The Agency will continue to monitor disposal processes to ensure compliance with high environmental and public health standards.

The Environmental Protection Agency assures all Liberians that the palm kernel consignment in question has been verified as non-hazardous and will be managed in accordance with approved disposal procedures. Protecting Liberia’s environment and safeguarding the health and dignity of its people remain the Agency’s top priorities.

For further information, please contact:

Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia

P.O. Box 4024, Sekou Toure Avenue, Mamba Point, Monrovia, Liberia

Tel: +231-770-111-663 / +231-886-885-489

Email: info@epa.gov.lr | Website: www.epa.gov.lr

Signed: Danise Love Dennis-Dodoo (Mrs.)

Head of Media & Corporate Communications