PHOTO: Mr. Dominic Nimley, Chairman of PATEL
The Chairman of the Patriotic Entrepreneurs of Liberia (PATEL), Dominic Nimely, has threatened what he described as a “citizen’s arrest” against foreign nationals engaged in both wholesale and retail trade in Liberia.
Nimely, who also serves as President of the Liberia Business Association (LIBA) and the Used Car Dealers Association, made the remarks over the weekend at a news conference in Monrovia.
He expressed concern that the increasing involvement of foreign nationals in the retail sector is undermining local businesses and limiting opportunities for Liberian entrepreneurs.
According to him, retail trade is reserved exclusively for Liberians under existing regulations, but enforcement remains weak.
“The continuous participation of foreigners in retail businesses is driving ordinary Liberians out of the market,” Nimely stated. “If this situation persists, we will be left with no option but to take lawful action, including what we call a citizen’s arrest.”
He disclosed that PATEL and LIBA have held several engagements with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and other government institutions to address the issue, but he said there has been little to no progress.
Nimely further attributed the struggles of Liberian-owned businesses to limited access to financing, inadequate government support, and what he described as unfair competition from foreign traders who often dominate both wholesale and retail markets.
Despite his concerns, the PATEL Chairman commended the government for including both PATEL and LIBA in the national budget.
However, he described the allocation as insufficient to significantly impact the growth of local enterprises.
“While the support is appreciated, it is merely a drop in the ocean,” he noted. “Nonetheless, we remain grateful to the government for recognizing our institutions.”
Nimely is calling on authorities to strictly enforce existing business regulations and create a more enabling environment for Liberian entrepreneurs to thrive.