CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA – Liberia’s President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, on Monday formally opened the Third Session of the 55th Legislature with a sweeping address that placed accountability, decentralization, and institutional reform at the center of the Senate’s legislative priorities.
Declaring the session open in fulfillment of the Constitution and the Senate’s rules, Karnga-Lawrence framed the new sitting as a decisive phase for translating past legislative actions into tangible national impact. “Today, January 12, 2025, opening session is in fulfillment of the constitution of Liberia and our rules,” she said, signaling renewed legislative focus.
Welcoming senators back from recess, the President Pro Tempore highlighted improved national mobility as a significant achievement, noting that the ability of lawmakers to “commute freely to our various counties at this time of year is a significant achievement by the government.” She thanked President Joseph Nyuma Boakai “for the vision to make our roads passable.”
Karnga-Lawrence reported that the Senate officially closed its Second Session on December 18, 2025, after an intensive legislative period. She disclosed that the Senate held 59 sittings and passed 76 pieces of legislation, including 64 enactments, nine ratifications, and three amendments.
She further revealed that 236 nominees were designated during the session, with 213 confirmations completed, describing the outcome as evidence of sustained legislative productivity and oversight.
Oversight responsibilities, she stressed, remained central to the Senate’s mandate. Karnga-Lawrence cited the adjustment of the petroleum pricing regime, stating that the move increased national revenue allocated to road funds. “This decision has increased the national revenue envelope for road funds, which will finance road equipment expected for all counties,” she said.
She also referenced a commitment she made to traditional leaders and county officials to include appropriations for all county capitals and salaries for County Council members in the national budget. “This commitment was honored by the Legislature,” she said, thanking her colleagues for upholding it.
Turning to international engagement, Karnga-Lawrence commended the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Defense and Security for their role in Liberia’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. She congratulated the nation on taking its seat and said the Senate expects regular briefings from the committees.
On economic decentralization, the President Pro Tempore addressed the passage of the Port Authority and Port Autonomy bills, explaining that the Legislature corrected the lines previously vetoed by the President. She described the legislation as a core element of the Senate’s reform agenda.
“These bills will spur development and economic growth in our three port cities, create jobs for thousands of Liberian citizens, and encourage those leaving congested Monrovia to relocate,” she said.
She further explained that the Port Authority bill establishes a regulatory body for all sea and inland ports, clarifying that the National Port Authority “is a port operator, not a regulator,” in line with international best practices.
Karnga-Lawrence acknowledged the role of public debate, thanking the media and citizens for what she described as constructive engagement, which she said strengthens democracy and legislative oversight.
Addressing internal administration, she announced steps to standardize salaries for Senate staff, stating that the Secretary of the Senate has been mandated to work with the Civil Service Agency to conduct personnel and credential evaluations. “The recommendations will set the stage for effective standardization,” she said.
She called on the Staffers Association and directors to cooperate fully so the process can be completed before the next national budget is presented, adding that engagement with staff leadership will continue.
The Senate leader also disclosed plans to review the harmonization process affecting civil servants nationwide to ensure just compensation. She mandated the Ways, Means and Finance Committee and the Public Accounts Committee to begin the review immediately and report back within two weeks.
On infrastructure, Karnga-Lawrence confirmed that the Government of China remains committed to renovating the Capitol Building’s joint chamber and old building. She said relevant committees have been tasked with expediting a feasibility study in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works.
Providing an update on accountability measures, she reported progress on recommendations from the General Auditing Commission, noting that since February 2024 the Senate has fully implemented 25 recommendations and partially implemented nine.
“I am pleased to inform you that we have completed several of those recommendations in draft, to only be validated by the plenary,” she said, projecting improved compliance ratings within two years.
She submitted multiple draft policy documents addressing human resources, financial management, and organizational reform, alongside the Senate Strategic Plan for 2025–2029.
As the Legislature resumes work, Karnga-Lawrence said priorities will include launching the Strategic Plan, operationalizing HR and financial policies, finalizing compensation frameworks, and institutionalizing operational manuals.
She concluded by charging the Committees on Rules, Order and Administration and Modernization with advancing these reforms before formally declaring the Third Session of the 55th Senate of Liberia open, setting a reform-driven tone for the legislative year.
