In his address before the Majority Bloc of 43 lawmakers, F. Sakila Nyumalin Sr., Minister of Internal Affairs, underscored the importance of the separation of powers and his obligation to attend the session at the request of his district representative. He expressed his honor in presenting before the dedicated assembly, highlighting the critical role they play in the governance process.
Minister Nyumalin emphasized that decentralization is a key pillar of President Boakai’s agenda, stating, “This is not merely a policy; it is a commitment to ensure that power and resources are brought closer to the people we serve.” As the Minister responsible for local government, he acknowledged the mandate to implement decentralization effectively and comprehensively.
He stated that his appearance before the body was for four main reasons of decentralization: the decentralization of services, the devolution of responsibilities, the delegation of functions to trusted partners, and privatization. “Our goal is clear: we must empower our citizens by establishing service centers across the country,” he stated.
Reflecting on the Local Government Act passed in 2018, Nyumalin noted that although a 10-year implementation plan was established, nearly seven years have passed without fully achieving its objectives. He pointed to significant strides made under his leadership, including the establishment of county councils and the formation of the National Council of Chiefs.
The Minister also highlighted the ongoing validation of the County Development Agenda, emphasizing the active involvement of the legislature as a testament to their collective commitment to devolving authority to local governments.
Addressing challenges, Nyumalin candidly spoke about the functionality of service centers, which have yet to become operational due to a lack of budgetary approval. He assured lawmakers that bilateral and multilateral development partners, including the World Bank, are actively supporting decentralization efforts. An assessment of all 57 service centers has recently been completed, with a reputable international institution engaged to assist in the process.
He urged lawmakers to prioritize funding for the activation of service centers, which will be essential for delivering vital services such as ID cards, passports, and driver’s licenses. “Our citizens deserve efficient and effective governance, and we must provide it,” he asserted.
