MONROVIA – Finance and Development Planning Minister, Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s commitment to enforcing the national minimum wage for central government employees. The assurance comes amid public concerns suggesting that some civil servants are earning below the legally mandated threshold of USD 150 per month.
According to a Ministry press release issued on Saturday, August 30, 2025, Minister Ngafuan addressed the issue during a media engagement in Monrovia on Thursday, stating, “During the national budget formulation process, the President gave a clear directive and the budget was adjusted accordingly to ensure that no employee of the central government earns below the minimum wage of USD 150. I am pleased to confirm that this commitment has been fully implemented.”
The Decent Work Act, which governs labor standards across Liberia, mandates a minimum monthly wage of USD 150 for all workers in both public and private sectors. While the Ministry of Labor oversees compliance in the private sector, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) has taken full responsibility for ensuring that central government payrolls adhere to the law.
Minister Ngafuan explained that reports of civil servants receiving less than USD 150 are often due to confusion between gross and net pay. Deductions such as taxes, social security contributions, and personal loan repayments, he noted, do not violate the minimum wage law.
He further clarified that government salaries are disbursed in a dual-currency structure, 70 percent in U.S. dollars and 30 percent in Liberian dollars. This arrangement, combined with individual financial obligations, may affect the final take-home pay but does not alter the official salary structure.
Recognizing the importance of public understanding, Minister Ngafuan emphasized the need for improved financial literacy. “We acknowledge that more must be done to improve public financial literacy. A well-informed public is essential for transparency and accountability, and we are committed to open communication,” he said.
Minister Ngafuan also encouraged all government employees with questions or concerns regarding their salaries to seek clarification through the appropriate administrative channels, reaffirming the Ministry’s dedication to fairness, transparency, and compliance with labor laws.
