By Godgift Harris
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has presented Liberia’s Draft National Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, amounting to a staggering US$1.21 billion, to the National Legislature, a record figure that has ignited both hope and skepticism among Liberians.
As the budget makes its way through legislative scrutiny, the central question facing the nation remains if this historic budget will improve the living conditions of ordinary Liberians, or will it merely enrich a small circle of government officials and political elites.
The Draft Budget, formally submitted on November 7, 2025, by Finance and Development Planning Minister, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, on behalf of President Boakai to House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, outlines the administration’s spending priorities for the coming year.
According to the fiscal framework, domestic revenue is projected at US$1.13 billion (94%), while external resources are expected to contribute US$72 million (6%).
The government anticipates US$726.97 million in tax revenue, US$83.92 million in non-tax revenue and a US$200 million sign-on bonus from ArcelorMittal Liberia, with an additional US$28 million listed as contingent revenue.
Despite these optimistic figures, public confidence in fiscal management remains fragile.
Civil society organizations and economic analysts have expressed concern over whether this proposed budget will translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens, especially given Liberia’s persistent poverty, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.
Roughly US$280 million has been allocated to the Public Sector Investment Plan (PSIP)the backbone of President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation and Tourism.
While these focus areas are crucial for national recovery, critics warn that similar promises in past budgets have often failed due to mismanagement, corruption and poor project execution.
In his Budget Message, President Boakai commended lawmakers for the timely passage of the FY2025 Budget, noting that it enabled improved program implementation this year.
He urged the Legislature to review and pass the FY2026 Budget transparently and without delay, emphasizing that accountability must define every stage of the process.
However, many Liberians remain unconvinced. Past fiscal reports reveal that a substantial share of government spending continues to be absorbed by administrative overheads, inflated allowances
And frequent foreign travels by top officials, while critical sectors like healthcare, education and rural development remain chronically underfunded.
The government’s submission of the FY2026 Budget fulfills the legal requirement under Section 1.7.1 of the 2019 Amendment to the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act of 2009, which mandates the budget’s timely submission to the Legislature.
But as many citizens argue, mere compliance with the law is not enough, the real test lies in implementation, transparency, and accountability.
As the US$1.2 billion spending plan now moves to the floor of the Legislature for debate, expectations are high but cautious.
Ordinary citizens, especially civil servants and low-income earners, are demanding a fair share of the national cake, calling on lawmakers to prioritize salary adjustments, job creation and essential services not just benefits for themselves.
For President Boakai’s administration, this budget could either mark a turning point in public trust or a continuation of Liberia’s long history of fiscal disappointment.
The nation now watches closely to see whether the 2026 National Budget will build a more equitable Liberia or simply sustain the comfort of the well-connected.