NATIONAL NEWS
CAPITOL HILL – Liberia’s Minister-designate for Local Government, F. Sakila Nyumalin Sr., has set out an ambitious plan to deepen decentralisation and strengthen local governance during his confirmation hearing before the Liberian Senate.
Appearing before the Senate Committee on Local Government and Public Administration, Mr Nyumalin said the ministry must take a leading role in bringing decision-making closer to citizens and improving service delivery nationwide.
By: Sampson W Weah sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
He thanked President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. for his nomination, describing it as an opportunity to serve with integrity and renewed responsibility.
Mr Nyumalin highlighted the transition from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the Ministry of Local Government as a key reform aimed at improving coordination, strengthening oversight, and accelerating decentralisation efforts.
He said the ministry’s work would be guided by existing legal frameworks, including the Local Government Act of 2018, the Revenue Sharing Law of 2022, and the Ministry of Local Government Act of 2025.
Challenges to Local Governance
Despite progress, Mr Nyumalin acknowledged significant challenges affecting local governance, including limited funding, weak coordination, and inefficiencies within county administrations.
He also pointed to shortages of skilled personnel, boundary disputes, and payroll-related issues as factors slowing development and undermining effective service delivery.
Mr Nyumalin stressed the need to fully operationalise the Local Government Fiscal Board to ensure the fair and transparent distribution of national resources. He added that closer collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, alongside legislative support, would be critical to advancing fiscal decentralisation.
Reflecting on his previous role at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he cited the expansion of County Service Centers as a key achievement, noting that they have improved access to government services and contributed to increased domestic revenue.
He also referenced reforms involving traditional leadership, including the restructuring of the National Council of Chiefs, as well as efforts to strengthen local planning through County Development Planning Units.
Rising Pressures and Reform Priorities
Mr Nyumalin warned of emerging challenges such as migration pressures, land disputes, and resistance to aspects of decentralisation.
He described the dissolution of statutory districts as a sensitive issue requiring careful management to avoid disruption, and emphasised the importance of addressing cross-border concerns to maintain stability.
Looking ahead, he outlined several priorities, including strengthening institutions, improving service delivery, and increasing citizen participation.
He proposed the establishment of a Local Government Institute to train local officials, the digitalisation of County Service Centers, and the full rollout of local councils to oversee development planning and budgeting.
Mr Nyumalin also pledged to expand local revenue generation and ensure counties benefit equitably from national resources.
Linking Governance to Peace
He stressed that decentralisation is not only a governance issue but also central to national unity and peacebuilding.
Mr Nyumalin called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, traditional leaders, civil society, and young people to promote inclusive development and social stability.
“If confirmed, I will work to ensure that governance is inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all Liberians,” he said.
