MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan II has unveiled sweeping salary reforms aimed at improving the welfare of public sector employees. Addressing a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Ngafuan announced that no central government employee will earn less than $150 USD per month starting January 2025. These reforms align with the Decent Work Act of 2015 and aim to ensure fair and equitable compensation across the public sector.
The reforms will result in salary increases for approximately 28,200 civil servants, representing 45% of government employees, who will see their pay rise by $30 to $40 USD monthly. Additionally, more than 5,000 police officers will be enrolled in a government-funded insurance program for the first time, a measure rooted in the National Security Act of 2015.
Specialized doctors earning below the new minimum will receive a supplemental $225 USD monthly increase, while other essential groups, including teachers, Armed Forces of Liberia soldiers, and Executive Protection Service personnel, will also benefit from the adjustments. These measures are designed to address wage gaps and improve benefits for public sector workers.
The salary reforms form a key part of the Fiscal Year 2025 Draft National Budget, which totals $851.8 million USD. This budget includes provisions for timely salary payments, with Ngafuan guaranteeing that all government workers will now receive their wages on or before the 24th of each month, beginning in November 2024.
Ngafuan highlighted the budget’s revenue projections, which estimate $791.76 million USD from domestic sources, including $633.72 million USD from taxes and $138.5 million USD from non-tax revenues. External funding of $60 million USD, sourced from the World Bank and the European Union, reflects a 50% increase compared to the previous fiscal year.
These reforms are expected to reduce wage disparities, enhance working conditions, and boost morale among government workers. Minister Ngafuan emphasized that the Boakai administration is committed to economic stability and the well-being of public servants, positioning the salary adjustments as a critical step toward achieving these goals.
