The Government of Liberia moves here to up salary of civil servants with priority on teachers, security, doctors and health workers.
By Stephen G. Fellajuah (contributor)
Monrovia, Liberia, November 22, 2024 – Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan says the Government of Liberia plans to address salary disparities among teachers by ensuring that starting next year, teachers will be paid according to their appropriate pay level.
This adjustment is part of a broader effort to bring teachers in line with the national pay grid, ensuring they are compensated fairly for their work. The move also aims to rectify current situation where over 2,000 teachers are receiving salaries below the designated-threshold and improving the financial well-being of educators across the country.
Explaining the FY2025 Draft National Budget here Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Minister Ngafuan also announced that as part of the FY2025 National Budget, nurses and physicians will receive salary increase of US$50.00, while specialist doctors, who fall within a specific category, will see a substantial salary enhancement of over US$200.
This move is intended to improve compensation for healthcare professionals, acknowledging their critical role in the nation’s healthcare system, and addressing concerns about the adequacy of their pay.
The salary adjustments are part of a broader effort to ensure that key public sector workers are fairly compensated for their services.
At the same time, the Minister confirms that government will “take on the cost of insurance for public sector workers”, including teachers, nurses, physicians, security and others.
By covering insurance premiums, the government aims to further support these workers, ensuring they have access to necessary health and life insurance benefits without additional financial strain.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve the overall compensation package for public service workers.
Minister Ngafuan continues that government has allocated US$10 million in the FY2025 budget to address needs of pensioners, recognizing that the issue of pension payments is a priority.
This allocation reflects government’s commitment to ensuring that pensioners receive due benefits, highlighting the importance of securing financial stability for those who have served the country in their respective roles. By including this substantial provision, the government aims to tackle long-standing challenges related to pension payouts and improve the welfare of retired public sector workers.
Ngafuan, in his discussion of the draft national budget, says US$50 million has been allocated for roads, specifically development and maintenance of the country’s road infrastructure, which is crucial for enhancing transportation, boosting economic activities, and improving overall connectivity.
According Ngafuan, significant road projects are set to begin soon, including the much-anticipated roadworks from the Gabriel Tucker Bridge to the Free Port of Liberia, which will be funded by the Japanese government.
In addition to this key project, other major road developments across the country, such as Saclepea road in Nimba, are also included in the government’s plans. These projects are part of a broader effort to improve the nation’s infrastructure, enhance regional connectivity, and stimulate economic growth by improving access to critical areas.
Minister Ngafuan also acknowledged that while the new budget, once passed, will not solve all of the country’s challenges, it will bring about significant improvements and some level of progress.
He says the budget is designed to make tangible strides in key areas such as infrastructure, public sector compensation, and social welfare. His remarks reflect a realistic understanding that while the budget won’t resolve every issue, it lays the groundwork for long-term development and positive change.
The Minister made these disclosures during an exclusive interview with OK FM on November 20, 2024, which was simulcast by several networks, providing the public with insights into the government’s fiscal plans for the upcoming year.
The Minister had earlier revealed that over 2,000 teachers across the country are being paid salaries below the established threshold.
This disclosure highlights ongoing concerns regarding the remuneration of educators and raises questions about the adequacy of pay within the public sector, particularly for teachers who play a crucial role in the nation’s development.
Further details on the reasons behind these disparities and potential steps for addressing the issue were not immediately provided, but this announcement has sparked calls for reform in the pay structure for teachers. Editing by Jonathan Browne
