Finance and Development Planning Minister, Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has assured security institutions that the ongoing Executive Budget hearing is focused on shaping the 2026 National Budget, while underscoring their dual role as both service providers and indirect revenue generators.
Speaking during discussions with security sector authorities, Minister Ngafuan explained that the Ministry of Finance is collaborating with the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and other partners to finalize initial projections for the 2026 fiscal plan. He admitted that the outlook is “not too upbeat,” but stressed that efforts are underway to ensure stability.
“The good thing is that you’re in the security sector, in one breath, you’re on the expenditure side. In another, you’re on the revenue side,” Minister Ngafuan stated. “Security creates the confidence for business, investment, and growth. When businesses thrive, revenues increase, and that allows us to share a bigger national cake.”
Using a metaphor, the minister explained that a small budget, no matter how divided, yields only small allocations, but growing the economy ensures bigger returns for all sectors, including security. “If the cake is big, even if you get a small piece, it’s a big piece,” he noted.
Finance Minister Ngafuan also renewed the government’s commitment to improving welfare within the security sector. He acknowledged that since 2015, the government had not fully honored its insurance obligations to the sector, forcing personnel to pay premiums from their limited salaries. To ease this burden, he said, the government has begun providing top-ups to support insurance coverage.
“The security sector is very important,” Minister Ngafuan emphasized, commending the ongoing fight against drug trafficking and abuse. He revealed that President Joseph Boakai has placed strong emphasis on anti-drug initiatives as part of safeguarding Liberia’s future.
“The President takes this seriously. We had a meeting, and the emphasis is in that direction, because we have to save the future of the country,” Minister Ngafuan said.