By: Melvin Flomo
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The Liberian Government, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), has submitted a US$45 million draft supplementary budget to the Liberian Senate for consideration and approval. The submission is in line with Section 23.1 of the Amended and Restated Public Financial Management Law of 2009, which allows for adjustments to the national budget to address emerging fiscal priorities.
The FY2026 Draft Supplementary Budget was formally presented on Tuesday to Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence by Acting Finance Minister Anthony G. Myers, on behalf of Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan. Minister Ngafuan is currently leading a Liberian delegation attending the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C.
Presenting the budget, Minister Myers disclosed that the additional funding is expected to come from two primary sources: US$40 million in delayed budget support from the World Bank for FY2025 and US$5 million generated from domestic revenue overperformance during the same fiscal period. He attributed the improved domestic revenue performance to strengthened tax policies and enhanced administrative efficiency.
Myers emphasized that the proposed supplementary budget prioritizes human capital development, with over 40 percent—approximately US$19.3 million—earmarked for the health, education, and social development sectors. He noted that this allocation reflects the government’s continued commitment to improving the living conditions of Liberians through targeted, people-centered interventions.
According to the breakdown, the education sector will receive US$7.3 million to support teacher enrollment, expand school feeding programs, and settle outstanding obligations with the West African Examinations Council. The health sector is set to benefit from US$10.9 million for drug response initiatives and the acquisition of land for a proposed National Children’s Hospital, while US$1.05 million will support social development programs aimed at assisting vulnerable populations.
Meanwhile, US$7.2 million has been allocated for infrastructure and basic services, including US$4.02 million for the rollout of the government’s “yellow machines” initiative. An additional US$18.5 million is designated for other priority areas, including US$5.1 million to strengthen security and the rule of law.
In response, Pro Tempore Karnga-Lawrence commended the MFDP team for prioritizing social services and disclosed that the Senate has been recalled to address key national issues, including the approval of new banknotes and the passage of the supplementary budget within its limited sitting period.
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