-Over 2026 Budget Enforcement Clause
MONROVIA — The House of Representatives has summoned three cabinet ministers to appear for questioning over a contentious provision in the 2026 National Budget that designates the Ministry of Transport as the sole collector of vehicle registration and driver’s license fees nationwide.
The Ministers of Justice, Transport, and State for Presidential Affairs have been ordered to appear before the House next Tuesday following concerns raised about Section W of the proposed budget, which also mandates the Ministry of Transport to enforce the Vehicle and Traffic Law of Liberia—a responsibility that could require significant institutional restructuring.
The decision was reached Thursday during the 18th Day Sitting of the First Quarter of the Third Session of the 55th Legislature, according to a statement from the House’s Press Bureau.
The summons followed a communication from Grand Bassa County District 5 Representative Thomas Alexander Goshua, who drew lawmakers’ attention to the potential implications of the enforcement provision.
Representative Goshua expressed concern over how the new mandate would be implemented across sector ministries and agencies, particularly regarding task force arrangements for enforcement. The provision effectively consolidates revenue collection authority under the Transport Ministry, a move that could reshape inter-agency dynamics.
Lawmakers are expected to seek clarity from the summoned officials on the operational framework, coordination mechanisms with other security and regulatory bodies, and the fiscal implications of the restructuring.
The ministers’ appearance next Tuesday is anticipated to shed light on the government’s enforcement strategy and whether existing inter-ministerial task forces will be affected by the new budgetary directive.
