By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Monrovia — The Liberian Legislature has passed the 2026 National Budget, with the Senate concurring with the House of Representatives, approving a total expenditure of US$1.249 billion, the largest national budget in Liberia’s history.
The approved budget makes substantial provisions for the settlement of both domestic and external debts, a move the government says is intended to strengthen Liberia’s financial credibility and rebuild confidence among local and international partners and investors.
A significant share of the spending plan is dedicated to infrastructure development, particularly the construction and rehabilitation of roads nationwide.
Lawmakers say the investment is aimed at improving national connectivity, boosting trade, and enhancing access to markets, especially in rural communities.
The energy sector also receives major attention, with allocations targeting increased electricity generation, expansion of transmission networks, and improved access to affordable and reliable power across the country.
In addition, the budget prioritizes access to financing to stimulate private sector growth, support job creation, and promote the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Strong emphasis is placed on the social sectors, including health, education, and agriculture. Increased funding for health is intended to strengthen service delivery and improve the healthcare system, while education allocations focus on enhancing quality, infrastructure, and human capital development.
Funding for agriculture aims to boost food security, support farmers, and promote value-chain development.
Welcoming the passage of the budget, Minister of Finance and Development Planning Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan thanked the Legislature for its collaboration and commitment to working with the Executive to advance national development.
Minister Ngafuan described the approval as a critical milestone in the government’s economic reform agenda and expressed confidence that, once signed into law by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the budget will accelerate development, improve public service delivery, and enhance the livelihoods of Liberians.
The budget now awaits final approval by President Boakai.
However, the passage of the spending plan was not without dissent. Opposition Senator Nathaniel McGill disclosed that he voted against the budget, citing unresolved concerns.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Senator McGill said his opposition was partly linked to broader disagreements over government agreements, noting that he voted against the Orantos deal, which he described as unfavorable to national interests, while supporting the HPX and TotalEnergies deals, which he said offer greater value and align with development priorities.
Senator McGill further stated that although he left the Senate chamber during the passage of the budget due to an urgent family emergency, he remains firmly opposed to the 2026 National Budget.
He cited unresolved issues, including concerns over increments in civil servants’ salaries and the salaries of Capitol Building employees, which he said the relevant legislative committee failed or refused to adequately address despite repeated engagements.
According to McGill, even with the budget’s increase to over US$1.2 billion, these concerns remain outstanding, rendering the budget unacceptable in its current form.
