By Jerromie S. Walters
MONROVIA – The House of Representatives has passed the Draft National Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, totaling US$1,249,665,191 and its Liberian dollar equivalent of LD 247,886,866.47. The decision was reached after 7:00PM on Thursday, December 11, 2025, following extensive deliberations. 42 lawmakers voted for the passage of the budget while 2 voted against.
The budget’s passage was based on a comprehensive report from the House’s Committee on Ways, Means, Finance & Budget, which conducted detailed scrutiny and public hearings with government ministries and agencies. The committee reported identifying an additional US$38.6 million in revenue following consultations with the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and other entities.
The floor debate was opened by a motion from Grand Bassa County District #3 Representative, Thomas Goshua. While the committee recommended acceptance, the budget faced opposition.
Nimba County District #7 Representative, Musa Bility, opposed the passage of the budget, noting that it didn’t meet the requirements for passage. Montserrado County District #9 Representative, Frank Saah Foko, also voiced strong opposition, stating he could not support the budget as it lacked a clear, in-depth strategy for poverty alleviation, job creation, and addressing critical public needs. “I am not going to support this budget,” he stated.
Following the debate, a motion to pass the budget was moved by Representative Momo Sephia Kpoto and carried by a majority.
The approved budget instrument now proceeds to the Liberian Senate for concurrence. Upon Senate approval, it will be submitted to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for final endorsement into law.
The draft budget was initially presented to the legislature by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) on November 7, 2025, by Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan.
Key Context: The budget amounts are calculated at an exchange rate of LD 198.362 to US$1, as projected for the months following its passage.
