The Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has announced sweeping reforms to government salaries as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY2025) National Budget. Starting January 2025, no central government employee will earn less than $150 per month, fulfilling the Decent Work Act of 2015’s minimum wage requirement for government workers.
Speaking at a press briefing organized by the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Minister Ngafuan assured the public that provisions have been made in the FY2025 draft budget to implement this new salary threshold. He further emphasized that starting immediately, government employees would receive their salaries on or before the 24th of each month.
The FY2025 budget also prioritizes salary enhancements for key sectors, including healthcare, education, law enforcement and the military.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., officially submitted the $851.8 million FY2025 Draft National Budget to the National Legislature for review.
This represents a 15.3% increase from the $738.9 million 2024 Recast Budget. Breaking down the budget’s revenue sources, Minister Ngafuan disclosed that the Core Revenue: $833 million (97.8% of total revenue Contingent Revenue: $18.8 million 2.2% of total revenue Domestic Revenue: $791.76 million 93% of total revenue , comprising: Tax Revenue: $633.72 million 80% of domestic revenue Non-Tax Revenue: $138.5 million (17.4% of domestic revenue External Resources: $60 million sourced from the World Bank ($40 million) and the European Union ($20 million), reflecting a 50% increase in external contributions compared to FY2024.
Ngafuan emphasized that the budget aligns with the administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), focusing on critical national programs, debt servicing, and other obligations.
“The 2025 draft budget represents a forward-looking plan that balances fiscal responsibility with the need to improve public service delivery,” Ngafuan remarked.
Key sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and job creation are central to the government’s spending priorities.
Minister Ngafuan highlighted increased funding for public schools, teacher training, and scholarships for underprivileged students. He also detailed allocations for rural clinics, medical supplies, and incentives for healthcare workers.
On infrastructure, Ngafuan pointed to ongoing road construction and electrification projects aimed at connecting remote areas and boosting economic activity.
Revenue Reforms and Accountability
Minister Ngafuan also underscored the importance of tax collection and public financial management reforms to sustain the government’s ambitious plans. “We are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in managing public funds,” he noted.
President Boakai has urged lawmakers to expedite their review and approval of the budget, emphasizing the need for timely implementation to enhance government operations and service delivery.
The budget submission complies with Section 17.1 of the 2019 Amendment and Restatement of the Public Financial Management Act of 2009, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transparency.
As discussions continue, many Liberians are optimistic that the proposed measures will bring tangible improvements to their communities and lives, marking a significant step toward inclusive development.
