Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has stressed the importance of passing the Fiscal Year 2026 National Budget before the start of the fiscal year. He stated that timely budget approval is essential for effective service delivery by government institutions.
“We are concerned about delivery. And we can only have Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs) delivering when the budget is crafted, submitted, and passed in time,” Minister Ngafuan emphasized. He made these remarks during the official launch of the FY 2026 Budget Preparation Process at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.
Minister Ngafuan highlighted that timely budget preparation is crucial for implementing key programs under the government’s ARREST Agenda, which focuses on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism.
“We intend to continue on the path we started last year by passing the budget in time, a feat that was achieved after many years. This year, we intend to meet all the timelines, including the submission of the budget to the legislature by the 31st of October,” he added.
The launch event included participation from Heads of MACs and other officials. Minister Ngafuan praised revenue generation efforts that resulted in a surplus for FY 2025. “Last year, we had challenges in the first and second quarters, but at the end of the Budget Year, we had a little surplus. Thanks to the Liberia Revenue Authority and members of the executive and legislature for a great job.” The government achieved its highest-ever domestic revenue collection amounting to US$692 million.
Minister Ngafuan emphasized early engagement with stakeholders as vital for FY 2026 planning. He urged spending entities to submit realistic proposals aligned with national priorities and fiscal capacity. The Ministry aims to enhance transparency and accountability mechanisms within budgeting processes through robust expenditure monitoring.
Hon. Dorwohn Gleekia from Liberia’s House of Representatives underscored legislative involvement as essential under Article 3 of Liberia’s constitution for coordinated execution from day one.
Deputy Minister Tanneh G. Brunson reaffirmed commitment towards consultative planning urging MACs adherence towards deadlines ensuring thorough review before consolidation.