By Staff Writer | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – The House of Representatives of Liberia, under the leadership of Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, has passed a US$53 million supplementary budget, marking a significant increase from the initially proposed US$45 million. The decision, taken on Thursday, April 23, 2026, came on the tenth day of the House’s special sitting, signaling urgency in addressing emerging national priorities.
The supplementary budget was submitted on April 13, 2026, by Joseph Nyuma Boakai through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. The proposal seeks legislative approval to expand public service delivery and advance key development priorities under the administration’s policy framework, particularly the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
According to the Executive, the budget aligns with provisions of Liberia’s Public Financial Management Law, which permits adjustments to the national budget to respond to unforeseen needs. Officials emphasized that the additional spending is designed to accelerate service delivery and support critical government initiatives across multiple sectors.
The draft was formally presented to Speaker Koon by Acting Finance and Development Planning Minister Anthony G. Myers, who represented Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan.
Providing details on financing, Myers disclosed that the supplementary budget will be supported primarily by US$40 million in previously delayed World Bank budget support for fiscal year 2025, along with an additional US$5 million generated from improved domestic revenue performance. He attributed the increase in domestic revenue to strengthened tax policies and enhanced administrative efficiency.
Myers noted that these gains have helped offset earlier delays in external funding, enabling the government to address urgent development needs. He stressed that the administration is leveraging both domestic and international resources to sustain economic stability while responding to growing public demands.
A major portion of the supplementary budget targets social sectors, with over 40 percent, approximately US$19.3 million, earmarked for health, education, and social development programs. Officials say this reflects a deliberate shift toward strengthening human capital and improving the welfare of Liberian citizens.
In the education sector, about US$7.3 million has been allocated to recruit teachers, expand school feeding programs, and settle outstanding obligations to the West African Examinations Council. Authorities believe these measures will help stabilize the education system and improve academic performance nationwide.
The health sector is set to receive US$10.9 million to enhance drug response initiatives and support the acquisition of land for a proposed National Children’s Hospital. Additionally, US$1.05 million has been earmarked for social development services aimed at assisting vulnerable populations and strengthening welfare programs across the country.
Beyond social spending, the government has proposed US$7.2 million for infrastructure and basic services, including US$4.02 million for the rollout of the “yellow machines” initiative, which is expected to improve road connectivity and public works. Another US$18.5 million is allocated to priority interventions, including US$5.1 million for national security to reinforce the rule of law amid evolving internal challenges.
In response to the passage, Speaker Koon praised President Boakai and the finance team for prioritizing investments in critical sectors. He highlighted support for the proposed National Children’s Hospital and the University of Liberia as key steps toward improving access to essential services and strengthening national development.
If fully enacted, the supplementary budget will increase Liberia’s 2026 national budget from approximately US$1.25 billion to US$1.29 billion, representing a 3.6 percent rise. The adjustment underscores the administration’s broader push for accelerated development, improved service delivery, and sustained economic growth.
