Published: November 20, 2024
MONROVIA – The proposed 2025 National Budget, totaling USD $851.76 million, has been submitted to the Liberian Senate for review, outlining a vision focused on infrastructure development, public sector remuneration, and revenue reform.
The budget was delivered to the Senate through the Senate Pro-Tempore on Monday, November 18.
Of the total amount, USD $791.76 million—or 93%—is expected to come from domestic revenue, underscoring the government’s emphasis on self-reliance. The remaining funding will be sourced through external support, complementing domestic efforts.
A key highlight of the budget is the allocation of USD $52.9 million to infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges. This funding will support the rehabilitation of rural roadways and the construction of bailey bridges to improve connectivity across the country. Critical corridors such as Saclepea-Zwedru and Sanniquellie-Loguatuo are earmarked for counterpart funding to ensure their continued development.
The Pliable Road Program, aimed at maintaining vital transport links, is set to receive an additional USD $15 million. Urban projects include the rehabilitation of the Freeport of Monrovia-St. Paul Bridge road and a major expansion of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS). The LBS project aims to extend Liberia National Television (LNTV) coverage to all 15 county capitals, improving access to information nationwide.
Overall, public sector investment in infrastructure will rise by 31%, with allocations increasing from USD $67.4 million in FY2024 to USD $98 million in FY2025.
The budget dedicates USD $16 million to tackling public sector remuneration challenges, part of a multi-year plan to boost the welfare of key workers in health, education, agriculture, and security. Nurses, midwives, and physician assistants will see monthly pay increments of USD $50, while other health workers will receive between USD $25 and $40. Workers in agriculture and security—including Armed Forces of Liberia soldiers, police officers, and Executive Protection Service personnel—will benefit from similar increases.
President Boakai emphasized that these adjustments are critical to motivating the workforce and stabilizing key sectors. “This is a foundational step toward improving public service delivery and the livelihoods of our citizens,” he said.
Revenue and tax administration reforms are also central to the draft budget. Proposed legislative measures aim to streamline income taxation, enhance transparency, and strengthen the government’s ability to mobilize resources. These reforms are part of broader efforts to expand the tax base and reduce dependency on external funding.
While President Boakai acknowledged that the proposed budget does not fully meet the ambitious goals of his administration’s ARREST agenda, he expressed optimism that it sets the stage for long-term progress. “This budget reflects our commitment to tackling critical issues, from public sector pay to infrastructure, as we work toward improving the standard of living for all Liberians,” he stated.
The Senate’s Committee on Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget has been tasked with a comprehensive review of the proposal. As deliberations begin, the 2025 budget serves as a roadmap for the Boakai administration’s efforts to balance immediate needs with its broader development goals.
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