CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia — The House of Representatives has approved a US$53 million supplementary budget for Fiscal Year 2026, concluding an intense late-night session on Thursday that lawmakers say was driven by improved revenue performance and urgent national priorities.
The recast budget, prepared by the Joint Committees on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget, and Public Accounts and Expenditure, is largely financed through US$40 million in World Bank budgetary support carried over from FY2025, alongside US$5 million in excess domestic revenue and an additional US$8 million in World Bank performance-based support, legislators disclosed.
Officials described the package as a targeted fiscal adjustment rather than an expansionary measure, emphasizing that it remains within the limits of confirmed revenues and partner commitments.
From $45M to $53M: Budget Envelope Expanded
The final figure represents a significant upward revision from the initial US$45 million proposal, with lawmakers attributing the increase to updated revenue confirmations and additional external support secured during deliberations.
According to the committee, the supplementary budget is designed to stabilize payroll systems, sustain public service delivery, and inject funding into priority sectors without increasing the fiscal deficit.
Public Administration, Security Take Largest Share
Public administration emerged as the biggest beneficiary, receiving US$14.55 million to support core government operations, strengthen fiscal management systems, meet international obligations, and clear outstanding arrears.
The security and rule of law sector follows with US$8.43 million, targeting institutions such as the Armed Forces of Liberia and the Liberia National Police.
Infrastructure and basic services were allocated US$9.57 million, with funding directed toward transport improvements, heavy equipment deployment, and rehabilitation projects.
The health sector is set to receive US$8.32 million, while education has been allocated US$7.25 million, underscoring the government’s continued focus on human capital development.
Smaller allocations include US$1.7 million for social development, US$1.3 million for local government, and additional funding for energy, agriculture, environmental programs, and transparency initiatives.
Lawmakers Defend Process, Push Back on Criticism
Chairman of the Ways, Means and Finance Committee, P. Mike Jurry, defended the process, describing it as rigorous and responsive to public expectations.
“At the opening of the budget, I promised the Liberian people that we were going to ask all the hard questions,” Jurry said. “It was not an easy journey, but we had to ensure that every line in this budget was justified.”
Addressing criticism that supplementary budgets can enable discretionary spending, Jurry insisted the current package reflects reallocation of surplus revenue rather than new borrowing.
“When we say supplementary, it means there was excess from previous performance,” he explained. “That excess must be incorporated into the current fiscal framework to address pressing needs.”
Focus on Impact and Fiscal Momentum
Jurry emphasized that allocations were guided by immediate national priorities.
“We looked at where the needs are most pressing. Security, health, and education directly impact the daily lives of Liberians, and that is where intervention is most critical.”
He also pointed to improved revenue collection as a sign of strengthening fiscal management.
“With the work being done by the Ministry of Finance and the Liberia Revenue Authority, we expect continued growth. This is just the beginning.”
Closing a Special Legislative Session
The passage of the supplementary budget brings to a close a special legislative session convened specifically to address emerging fiscal adjustments.
Analysts say the approval signals growing confidence in revenue performance but also raises expectations for transparent execution and measurable impact, particularly in sectors critical to economic stability and public welfare.
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