By: Sampat JMB Kpakimah
The Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS), has officially launched the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) and unveiled the Revised National Population Policy, marking what officials describe as a transformative step toward transparent, data-driven governance and national planning.
The high-level program was held on Wednesday, February 18, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town. It brought together senior government officials, development partners, members of the diplomatic corps, statisticians, business leaders, and representatives from local and international development organizations to witness the rollout of two complementary policy frameworks designed to modernize Liberia’s data ecosystem and strengthen population management.
Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Population and Development, Senator Dabah M. Varpilah of Grand Cape Mount County, delivered a passionate call to action, urging policymakers and citizens alike to treat both the NSDS and the Revised National Population Policy with urgency and seriousness.
Addressing the gathering, LISGIS Director General Richard Fatorma Ngafuan described the NSDS as a cornerstone for modern governance, signaling a decisive shift away from planning based on outdated or fragmented information. “For too long, our development plans have been hampered by a lack of real-time, harmonized data,” Ngafuan said.
He noted that the new strategy seeks to modernize Liberia’s statistical infrastructure through digital data collection methods and improved coordination across government institutions. Ngafuan revealed a significant institutional milestone: for the first time under the current administration, LISGIS has successfully compiled quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates—an achievement seen as critical for tracking national economic performance with greater precision and frequency.
According to Ngafuan, statistics related to national income will remain current as the institution moves into 2026 and beyond, reinforcing investor confidence and aligning with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. He acknowledged the technical support provided by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in developing both the National Population Policy and the NSDS, which are designed to strengthen coordination and improve data collection nationwide.
A technical presentation during the program showcased newly released statistical reports covering critical sectors including labor, education, agriculture, and household income across Liberia’s 15 counties. These reports are expected to provide policymakers with more granular data for targeted interventions.
Speaking at the event, Senator Varpilah warned that Liberia’s future hinges on how effectively the nation manages and utilizes its data. “Please take the policy seriously,” she declared. “The sooner we begin to take information seriously, the better for us as a country.”
The Senator emphasized that accurate statistics are fundamental to national survival, proper planning, and equitable resource allocation. She challenged stakeholders to consider the country’s preparedness across critical development sectors.
“Where are we with the soil, the weather, the land, and everything that we have as a nation?” she asked, stressing that without credible and updated data, policies risk remaining ineffective and disconnected from ground realities.
Senator Varpilah called on all stakeholders to serve as ambassadors for both policies, taking the information back to their communities and ensuring that the frameworks are not left dormant on shelves.
“This country depends on us to develop it,” she said. “We must stop giving policymakers a hard time when they are trying to implement the policy laws. We need to support implementation.”
Highlighting agriculture as a sector with immense untapped potential, she lamented that despite fertile soil, favorable weather conditions, and supportive policy frameworks, the country has yet to fully harness its agricultural capacity.
“This policy is a wake-up call,” she stressed. “We are defining how we manage our most precious resource—our people.” Senator Varpilah further disclosed that the National Population Commission (NPC) will need to be reconstituted to effectively drive the population agenda forward.
The enhanced data systems promised under the NSDS are therefore seen as critical to building transparency and strengthening Liberia’s investment climate.
The launch of the NSDS and the release of the Revised National Population Policy represent a coordinated effort to establish a robust statistical architecture capable of supporting Liberia’s development aspirations through evidence-based decision-making and accountable governance.
