Maritime Commissioner/CEO Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr. Congratulates IALA SG Zachariae on reelection; seeks country full IALA membership.

Singapore, February 21, 2025-The Commissioner/CEO of Liberia’s Maritime Authority Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr. has congratulated Mr. Francis Zachariae for his reelection as Secretary-General of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) and promised a continued cordial relationship between the IALA and Liberia.
The International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) on Friday, February 20, elected 23 Council Members including Secretary-General, Francis Zachariae who was reelected as Secretary-General for the new IGO.
In May 2014, the IALA General Assembly adopted a resolution to transition from a non-governmental organization (NGO) to an inter-governmental organization (IGO). The Convention on the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (“Convention”) was finalized in February 2020 and open for signature to all Member States of the United Nations beginning in November 2020.
Commissioner Lighe, on behalf of Liberia, the world’s largest open ship registry, extended his appreciation through SG Zachariae to the Singaporean Maritime and Port Authority for the dinner held in honor of the delegates who attended the meeting.
Concerned about Liberia’s status at IALA as an (Associate Member); the Liberian Maritime Chief Executive enquired from SG Zachariae about what needs to be done to change the country’s status to that of a full member.
However, SG Zachariae, in his response, said that to become a full member, an instrument must be ratified by the Liberian Legislature or the country’s House of Parliament.
He encouraged Liberia to attend IALA’s committee meetings and workshops regularly and added that the country’s active participation in activities would further enhance its membership.
Moreover, Commissioner/CEO Cllr. Lighe, who is knowledgeable of the requirements for the instrument to be ratified, expressed optimism and promised to lobby with the Legislature to ensure its ratification, after which it will then be deposited at the France consulate or Embassy near Monrovia.
“We are going to lobby with the National Legislature to ensure the country’s quest for IALA full membership is ratified”, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe said.
Additionally, Commissioner Cllr. Lighe also requested IALA’s Assessment mission to Liberia since the last one was held in 2016.
Commissioner/CEO Cllr. Lighe believes that the IALA assessment mission will enhance Liberia’s domestic program.
The next general assembly meeting of IALA is expected to be held in India in mid-2027, during which, Liberia is expected to be recognized as a full member.