MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) has confirmed that printed copies of the 2025 National Budget are now available for lawmakers, following increasing pressure from the Liberian Senate over the prolonged delay in its release.
The confirmation comes after weeks of growing tension between the ministry and legislators, who criticized the government’s failure to promptly provide the approved financial document. Despite passing the 2025 National Budget two months ago, senators argued that the absence of printed copies hindered their ability to perform oversight and ensure accountability in government spending.
In a move to address these concerns, the finance ministry has finalized the printing process, with officials assuring that the documents will soon be delivered to members of the Legislature. The decision is seen as a response to the Senate’s recent directive summoning Finance Minister Augustine K. Ngafuan to appear before the legislative body. Lawmakers are demanding that he explain the reasons behind the delay and provide clarity on the ministry’s handling of the budget’s publication and distribution.
The 2025 National Budget, a document exceeding 600 pages, outlines the government’s spending priorities and revenue projections. While it is now accessible to the public through the MFDP’s official website, senators argue that the delay in providing physical copies raises serious concerns about transparency. They contend that the absence of the printed document prevents a thorough review and could obscure potential irregularities.
Minister Ngafuan is expected to appear before the Senate on Tuesday, February 25, to respond to these concerns. Lawmakers insist that the delay not only violates financial transparency norms but also risks undermining public confidence in the budget process. The Senate’s decision to summon the finance minister reflects broader concerns that the ministry’s handling of the 2025 National Budget could mirror controversies surrounding the previous year’s budget.
The 2024 National Budget was mired in scandal after an investigation revealed that the document had been altered before implementation. A special committee of the 55th National Legislature, led by then-HoR Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, confirmed that high-ranking officials from both the Executive and Legislative branches were involved in unauthorized changes. Despite these findings, the committee did not disclose the names of those implicated, prompting criticism from civil society groups and raising questions about accountability.
The memory of these irregularities continues to fuel suspicion among lawmakers, who worry that the delay in releasing the 2025 budget may signal similar manipulation. Some senators have openly questioned whether the ministry is deliberately withholding the document to conceal unauthorized changes or misappropriations.
