The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) of Liberia has launched the 2025 National Budget Outreach and FY2026 Pre-Budget Consultation in Sanniquellie, Nimba County. This effort is part of the government’s Open Budget Initiative, which aims to increase fiscal transparency and encourage public participation in the national budget process.
The outreach began on Saturday and seeks to update citizens on the progress of the FY2025 National Budget while gathering their input for the upcoming FY2026 budget. The initiative is designed to ensure that citizens have a say in setting priorities for government spending.
Deputy Finance Minister for Fiscal Affairs, Hon. Anthony G. Myers, officially launched the program. He emphasized that the national budget is a “key policy tool” for promoting Liberia’s development under the Agenda for Accelerated Inclusive Development (AAID). Myers referenced Article 7 of the Liberian Constitution, stating it requires public involvement in budgeting decisions.
“The budget is the tool for decentralization,” Deputy Minister Myers said. “It provides resources for County Development Agendas and County Services Centres, builds schools, improves healthcare, supports farmers, creates jobs,
maintains roads, and delivers essential services.”
Myers noted that holding the event in Sanniquellie was symbolic of renewed efforts toward decentralization and inclusive decision-making. He also mentioned a 2011 amendment to Liberia’s Public Financial Management Law that requires citizen engagement during both preparation and implementation phases of the budget.
Hon. Myers highlighted President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s focus on decentralization, road access, and citizen-centered consultations as central themes in national development policies.
Deputy Finance Minister for Administration, Hon. Bill McGill Jones addressed attendees as well. He said that the Open Budget Initiative shows a commitment to openness and accountability rather than being merely symbolic.
“The National Budget may seem technical, but it reflects our collective priorities and aspirations,” Hon. Jones stated. “It is about the quality of education our children receive, the strength of our healthcare system, the roads that connect our communities, and the opportunities that improve our daily lives.”
He added that including citizens’ perspectives is essential to developing a responsive national budget.
Prince Nyae represented local authorities at the event as proxy for Nimba County’s Superintendent. He welcomed residents’ opportunity to share their concerns directly with policymakers and stressed improvements needed in roads, healthcare, education systems, and agricultural support to help local economies grow.
Participants included students, people with disabilities, civil society organizations, and business representatives. Discussions focused on how government funds are allocated across counties, ways to ensure transparency during implementation stages of projects funded by these budgets, and methods by which citizens can monitor local spending.
The government pledged ongoing engagement with citizens to promote inclusivity and strengthen accountability when managing public resources. Civil society organizations were also involved in providing independent oversight throughout this process.