By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmil.com
IBADAN, NIGERIA — A high-level delegation of Liberian fiscal officials has begun a weeklong capacity-building program in Ibadan, Nigeria, aimed at advancing Liberia’s decentralization agenda through improved fiscal governance.
Led by Hon. Anthony G. Myers, Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), the delegation is participating in a specialized training on fiscal decentralization and local government financial management. The program, hosted by the University of Ibadan, runs from May 19 to 26.
At the opening session, Deputy Minister Myers underscored the importance of aligning administrative reforms with financial empowerment, stating that “administrative decentralization without fiscal empowerment is performative.”
He reiterated President Joseph Boakai’s commitment to decentralization as a national priority, highlighting the administration’s focus on empowering counties with both authority and resources to accelerate development.
Myers pointed to existing institutional strengths at the national level, including the Liberia Revenue Authority and the Internal Audit Agency, but emphasized the need to replicate such capabilities across local governments.
He also encouraged the delegation to serve as trainers upon their return, noting that this initiative marks the beginning of a broader, nationwide rollout of fiscal reform.
“This training is a strategic step toward institutional reform and sustainable public financial management,” he said, framing the effort as a key component of Liberia’s embrace of South-South cooperation.
University of Ibadan Vice Chancellor, Professor P.O. Olapegba, also delivered strong remarks, calling on African leaders to reduce dependence on foreign aid and to confront youth emigration with bold, self-reliant governance.
“There is no free lunch—even in Freetown,” Prof. Olapegba quipped, criticizing what he described as a “begging culture” and advocating for homegrown solutions to the continent’s challenges.
“Harvard and Oxford won’t solve African problems—we must,” he added, urging unity among African nations and a renewed focus on building local capacity and retaining talent.
The training is expected to significantly enhance Liberia’s readiness to implement fiscal decentralization, a critical component of the country’s Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development.
