MONROVIA – Anderson D. Miamen, Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), has welcomed the submission of the US$1.2 billion Draft National Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 to the National Legislature, while urging closer scrutiny to ensure that ordinary Liberians benefit from the government’s spending plans. In a Facebook post on Monday, November 10, 2025, just days after President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, through Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, presented the budget to House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, Miamen described the milestone as long overdue. “Thanks to the Liberian Government for achieving this milestone to move our national budget to a billion. This is long overdue,” he wrote.
Miamen emphasized that the success of the 2026 budget will largely depend on the effectiveness of Liberia’s revenue-raising institutions, particularly the Liberia Revenue Authority. He stated, “We hope that the Liberia Revenue Authority and other institutions will be adequately funded to raise the necessary domestic revenues to fund the budget.” The CENTAL director highlighted the critical role of proper funding, noting that without strong domestic revenue mobilization, ambitious budget plans may struggle to translate into tangible benefits for the population.
While expressing cautious optimism, Miamen also raised pressing questions about the distribution of the budget’s resources. He asked whether the increased allocations would reach ordinary citizens or primarily benefit a select few. “Will the increased budget significantly impact ordinary citizens or will the usual suspects unduly benefit, at the expense of the vast majority of the population?” he queried, signaling the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
Miamen’s concerns reflect a broader public debate about Liberia’s fiscal priorities, particularly regarding social services, infrastructure, and support for frontline workers. He underscored that the working conditions of civil servants, police officers, immigration staff, and other law enforcement personnel remain a vital measure of government performance. “Will the working conditions of civil servants, Police, Immigration and other law enforcement officers and other workers improve, or will things remain the same for them?” he asked.
The CENTAL director praised the government for moving the country toward a larger and more comprehensive budget framework but cautioned that figures alone do not guarantee progress. According to Miamen, careful oversight by both civil society and the Legislature will be essential to ensure that budget allocations reflect national priorities and promote equitable development.
Miamen also signaled CENTAL’s intention to provide a detailed analysis of the 2026 budget in the coming weeks. “We shall provide some analysis soon,” he noted, hinting that the organization will evaluate revenue sources, expenditure patterns, and potential areas of concern. This forthcoming analysis is expected to highlight how well the budget aligns with national development objectives and whether it sufficiently addresses the needs of vulnerable communities.
The timing of Miamen’s statement underscores the importance of public engagement in Liberia’s fiscal processes. By commenting soon after the budget’s submission, he sought to raise awareness and encourage citizens to pay close attention to how resources are allocated and spent. His statement reflects CENTAL’s broader mission of promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.
Miamen further highlighted that proper implementation of the budget could serve as a critical test for President Boakai’s administration. Ensuring that revenue mobilization and expenditure are effectively managed will demonstrate the government’s commitment to equitable development and good governance. He emphasized that citizens should remain vigilant and demand accountability from both policymakers and implementing agencies.
The CENTAL director’s remarks arrive amid growing public discussion on how the 2026 budget will affect economic growth, public services, and social welfare in Liberia. Analysts and civil society groups will be closely watching whether allocations for health, education, energy, and infrastructure meet the expectations outlined by the Finance Ministry.
In closing, Miamen’s statement balanced cautious optimism with the need for vigilance. While recognizing the government’s progress in submitting the draft budget, he urged that citizen oversight, legislative scrutiny, and institutional capacity remain central to ensuring that Liberia’s US$1.2 billion 2026 budget delivers real benefits to the nation. “The achievement is noteworthy,” he wrote, “but the ultimate test will be how the budget translates into tangible improvements for all Liberians.”
