Monrovia, Liberia – The Plenary of the Liberian Senate has mandated its Committee on Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget to conduct an independent review of the draft 2025 National Budget. The budget, amounting to USD 851.76 million, was officially submitted on Monday, November 18, 2024, by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai through a written communication addressed to Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence.
According to the draft document, domestic revenue will account for USD 791.76 million, representing 93% of the total budget. The proposed budget outlines critical areas such as revenue projections, expenditure priorities, macroeconomic context, external resources, and key spending programs designed to address national development challenges.
Key Allocations and Priorities
President Boakai has allocated USD 52.9 million for roads and infrastructure development. These funds will support rural road rehabilitation, the construction of bailey bridges, and counterpart funding for ongoing roadworks on critical corridors, including the Saclepea-Zwedru and Sanniquelle-Loguatuo highways. Additionally, USD 15 million has been set aside for the Pliable Road Program, which will include upgrades to the Freeport of Monrovia-St. Paul Bridge road and the expansion of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) to ensure LNTV availability in all 15 county capitals.
The President highlighted a 31% increase in the Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP), with allocations rising from USD 67.4 million in FY2024 to USD 98 million in FY2025. These investments are designed to enhance public services and infrastructure development.
Addressing Public Sector Remuneration
In a bid to resolve longstanding salary disparities, the government has earmarked USD 16 million to improve remuneration for public sector workers. This intervention will include:
- Health Sector Workers: Nurses, midwives, and physician assistants will receive monthly salary top-ups of USD 50, while other health workers will get between USD 25 and USD 40 based on their roles.
- Security and Agriculture Sector Workers: Employees such as AFL soldiers, police officers, EPS agents, and agricultural extension workers will benefit from monthly increases ranging from USD 30 to USD 40.
President Boakai described these measures as the initial steps of a multi-year strategy under the ARREST agenda to address remuneration challenges across the public sector.
Revenue and Taxation Reforms
To strengthen the revenue base, the President announced plans to introduce new regulations and legislation to streamline income tax structures. These reforms aim to improve efficiency in revenue collection while ensuring equitable taxation across various income levels.
Senate’s Role
The Senate has tasked its Committee on Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget to thoroughly scrutinize the draft budget and provide recommendations that align with Liberia’s economic goals. This review process is expected to uphold fiscal discipline and prioritize key national development areas.
