The House of Representatives has summoned all State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to appear before the full Plenary next Tuesday following their repeated failure to honor invitations from the Committee on Ways, Means & Finance during the ongoing Revenue Component Hearings of the Draft FY2025 National Budget.
SOEs in Liberia are State-Owned Enterprises that operate across various sectors, including energy, transportation, and telecommunications, with the goal of contributing to the country’s economic development.
Plenary expressed serious concern that the continued absence of the SOEs poses a risk of delaying the passage of the national budget and potentially contributing to future budget shortfalls.
Lawmakers noted that, under the Budget Law, all SOEs are legally obligated to appear and provide the necessary financial information to aid the budget scrutiny process.
During their appearance, SOE heads are instructed to come along with their legal representatives to show cause why they should not be held in contempt for actions deemed to be impeding the legislative function.
Additionally, the House has summoned the Minister of Justice to provide legal justification regarding reports that the garnishment rights enacted for the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) to enforce have been halted under his instruction.
The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has also been requested to appear to provide clarity on the matter.
The House of Representatives reaffirms its commitment to a transparent, accountable, and timely budget process in the interest of the Liberian people.
