By: Wilmot Konah
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – Internal Affairs Minister Francis Nyumalin has disclosed that all local government officials appointed by the President who are not currently captured on the government payroll will be fully integrated beginning February 2026, bringing relief to hundreds of officials who have served without regular compensation.
Minister Nyumalin made the disclosure in response to a communication from Nimba County District Three Representative, Hon. Nyehker Gaye, who requested plenary to invite the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Finance and Development Planning to provide clarity on the long-standing issue of unpaid local government officials. In his communication, Rep. Gaye also raised concerns over salary discrepancies and irregularities within the payroll structure affecting local authorities across the country.
Addressing the House, Minister Nyumalin acknowledged the legitimacy of the lawmakers’ concerns and assured them that the matter was receiving urgent attention. “All presidentially appointed local government officials who are not currently on the payroll will be captured effective February 2026,” the minister told lawmakers. “This process is being handled in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the Civil Service Agency to ensure accuracy and sustainability.”
For his part, Representative Gaye welcomed the commitment but emphasized the need for fairness and transparency in implementation. “Local government officials are at the frontline of service delivery in our communities, and it is unacceptable for them to work for years without compensation,” Rep. Gaye said. “We expect the integration process to address not only inclusion on the payroll but also the existing salary disparities.”
Minister Nyumalin further assured plenary that mechanisms are being put in place to harmonize salaries and prevent future payroll gaps, noting that the government remains committed to strengthening local governance and decentralization.
The House took note of the minister’s assurances as lawmakers continue oversight of the process to ensure full implementation within the stated timeframe.
