By Fiona Benson Kollie
Internal Affairs Minister Francis Sakila Nyumalin, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, appeared before the Plenary of the House of Representatives.
Nyumalin was invited by lawmakers to address concerns raised in a formal communication submitted by Nehker E. Gaye, Nimba County District #3 Representative.
Gaye communication centered on the treatment and welfare of local government officials.
In his address, Nyumalin acknowledged longstanding challenges faced by local officials.
He admitted that some of the officials are not currently on government payroll, while others, who are on payroll are sometimes compelled to travel to Monrovia under difficult circumstances to receive their salaries.
Mr. Nyumalin informed Plenary that the Ministry is actively processing the inclusion of traditional chiefs on the payroll.
He however said, “in some counties, there are more than 50 chiefs; a situation which presents administrative and budgetary challenges.”
Additionally, Nyumalin said the Ministry is working to submit an amendment that would rationalize local government structures.
He said, the amendment will seek to cancel the status of certain areas that do not meet the legal requirements to qualify as cities, as part of broader efforts to improve efficiency and equity in local governance.
Nyumalin reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to work with the Legislature to address these issues in a manner that strengthens local administration and improves the welfare of local government officials.