The Government Of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has proudly announced that Liberia has collected domestic revenue amounting to a little over US$1 billion.
Obviously, This Is a significant milestone. It suggests that Liberia is increasingly developing the capacity to wash its own back, rather than depending overwhelmingly on external assistance, as has traditionally been the case.
This Is Particularly important for a country richly endowed with the natural resources needed to improve the social, and economic well-being of its people.
A Growing Domestic revenue base means the country can increasingly make it on its own. It gives us an opportunity to rise above the storm of poverty, and climb the corridor of prosperity.
But Achieving This requires more than revenue collection. It requires patriotism, a heart for country, prudent leadership, accountability, and genuine love for Liberia.
Our Natural resources, and the growing revenues must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Liberians.
The Ultimate Measure of economic progress should not simply be how much money the government collects, but how effectively that money is transformed into jobs, better healthcare, quality education, improved infrastructure, food security, and greater economic opportunities.
There Should Be no need for extraordinary prayers to defeat the Goliath of joblessness, subdue poverty, and establish a kingdom of prosperity in which every citizen can define Liberia in the truest sense of the word.
What Is Required is visionary leadership, responsible management of public resources, private-sector growth, and deliberate investment in the Liberian people.
While We Applaud the government for reaching this important domestic-revenue milestone, we offer one sincere piece of advice: as domestic revenue grows bigger horns, and stronger wings, let it also suppress the growth of joblessness, which remains one of the most obvious breeders of poverty; pave our roads and improve basic social services, including healthcare and education.
Revenue Must Not merely grow government coffers; it must grow Liberian livelihoods.
The More Liberia earns, the more Liberians should feel the difference.
That Is When a billion-dollar revenue milestone will truly become a milestone for the people.
