By: George Cooper
Monrovia, Liberia — Senator Nathaniel McGill of Margibi County has publicly explained his voting position on several major legislative matters, including concession agreements and the passage of the 2026 National Budget, emphasizing that his decisions were guided by national interest and unresolved concerns.
According to Senator McGill, he voted against the Orantos deal, stating that the agreement does not serve the best interests of the country. He described the deal as a bad agreement that fails to deliver sufficient value or meaningful benefits to Liberia and its citizens.
In contrast, the Margibi County lawmaker confirmed that he voted in favor of the HPX and TotalEnergies agreements, noting that both deals offer greater value and are more closely aligned with Liberia’s national development priorities. Senator McGill said these agreements present clearer benefits, including improved economic prospects and stronger alignment with long-term growth objectives.
Addressing concerns surrounding the passage of the 2026 National Budget, Senator McGill clarified that although he left the legislative session during the budget’s passage due to an urgent family emergency, he remains firmly opposed to the budget in its current form.
He explained that his opposition stems from several unresolved and critical issues that were raised repeatedly during budget discussions. Chief among these concerns are the increments in civil servants’ salaries and the salaries of Capitol Building employees, which Senator McGill said the relevant committee failed or refused to adequately address despite multiple engagements.
The senator further expressed disappointment that even with the national budget increasing to US$1.2 billion, these pressing concerns were left unresolved. He stressed that the failure to prioritize the welfare of civil servants and legislative employees makes the budget unacceptable.
Senator McGill reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for transparency, fairness, and responsible governance, stressing that national resources must be managed in a way that directly improves the lives of ordinary Liberians.
