MONROVIA – The Center for National Documents and Records Agency (CNDRA), commonly known as the National Archives of Liberia, has presented its priorities and funding needs for Fiscal Year 2027 during an executive budget hearing at the Ministry of Finance.
By: Gegee Brima
The delegation was led by Director General D. Nelson Bearngar and included Deputy Director General Gabriel N. Domah, budget officials, the Director of Programs, Planning and Projects, and the Director of Archival Services.
At the hearing, Bearngar called for increased budgetary support to improve the agency’s operations and expand public access to archival and records management services.
Among the proposed priorities are digitizing records and systems, establishing sub-offices in additional counties, and building public libraries across Liberia’s 15 counties. The agency also aims to strengthen records management, build staff capacity and extend its services beyond Montserrado County.
Bearngar also outlined several achievements from FY 2026, including the procurement of a 28-seat staff bus and 16 motorbikes for county coordinators. He said the vehicles would support the agency’s operations and field activities.
The agency has also opened an office in Cotton Tree as part of its decentralization efforts. Construction of its sub-office in Ganta, Nimba County, is approximately 85 percent complete, Bearngar said. He also pointed to staff training initiatives as part of ongoing efforts to improve the agency’s effectiveness.
The hearing is part of the government’s preparation of the FY 2027 national budget. Executive budget hearings began on October 1, 2026.
The agency said its proposed funding would support continued work on digital transformation, county-level expansion, public library development, records management and staff development, as it seeks to preserve and improve access to Liberia’s documentary heritage.
