By Jerromie S. Walters
The Liberian Senate has concurred with the majority bloc of the House of Representatives to approve the 2025 National Budget, which amounts to $880 million USD. This decision was made few hours after the “Majority Bloc” of the House of Representatives passed the budget on Friday.
With the budget now receiving bipartisan support, it will be forwarded to the President for final approval and signature. The passage of the budget is expected to facilitate essential government programs and services, impacting various sectors across the nation.
The budget was initially submitted at $851 million but was increased after extensive review and scrutiny during the budget hearings.
The passage of the budget took place at the Monrovia City Hall, 1st Street, Sinkor.
Lawmakers engaged in rigorous discussions and evaluations, leading to the revised figure that reflects the government’s priorities and anticipated expenditures.
The approval of the budget is critical for funding various government initiatives and services, impacting sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, and public safety. However, it comes at a time when the House is in crisis with two Speakers (Cllr. Koffa and Rep. Koon).
The Budget Submission
On November 18, 2024, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. presented the Fiscal Year 2025 Draft National Budget to the National Legislature, totaling US$851.8 million, which includes Core Revenue of US$833 million and Contingent Revenue of US$18.8 million. This draft represents a 15.3% increase over the 2024 Recast Budget total appropriation of US$738.9 million, aimed at fulfilling key priorities of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) while addressing debt service and other governmental obligations.
President Boakai urged lawmakers to prioritize the timely consideration and approval of the budget to ensure effective execution starting in January 2025. The submission complied with Section 17.1 of the 2019 Amendment and Restatement of the Public Financial Management Act 2009.
The budget was received by the Deputy Chief Clerk and presented to the “Majority Bloc,” a move that has not sat well with Speaker Koffa, who is now seeking a declarative judgment to challenge the actions of the Majority Bloc regarding the handling of the 2025 national budget as unconstitutional.
