UP Gov’t submits FY2026 Budget Behind Schedule by PFM Law

IPNEWS: President Joseph Boakai has submitted a proposed US$1.538 billion FY2027 national budget to the Legislature, outlining increased investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure and social development.

The draft budget, submitted Friday through Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan, represents the government’s spending plan under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.

The health sector allocation according to the draft allocation is expected to rise to US$135.8 million, while education will receive US$163.5 million, including US$7 million for renovations at the University of Liberia.

The proposed budget also targets salary increases and adjustments for nearly 13,000 government workers, alongside approximately 4,350 new hires, including volunteers.

Government has also committed to addressing nearly US$60 million in outstanding obligations to NASSCORP through regular contributions and a repayment arrangement beginning in 2027.

The Procedural Violation (PFM Law Compliance)

Section 1.7.1 of Liberia’s Public Financial Management (PFM) Act mandates that the Executive branch must submit the draft national budget to the Legislature no later than October 31 each year.

Last week, President Boakai formally communicated with the Legislature to request a brief postponement to November 6, 2026. He argued that the extra time was needed to finalize revenue forecasts and formulate a realistic fiscal plan tied to his administration’s development goals.

Although the delay allowed the Ministry of Finance to polish the framework, critics and legal analysts pointed out that bypassing the October 31 statutory timeline infringes upon the strict provisions of the PFM law, potentially squeezing the time lawmakers have to vet the massive document before the new fiscal year begins on January 1.

Core Highlights of the FY2027 Budget Proposal

Presented by Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, the US$1.538 billion plan represents a 27% increase over the original US$1.211 billion 2026 budget, driven primarily by historic domestic revenue performance that crossed the US$1 billion mark by September 2026.

A 13.9% increase over FY2026, which includes US$7 million dedicated to renovating the University of Liberia and provisions to adjust public school teacher salaries based on their degree qualifications.

Up from US$110.9 million in FY2026 to fully operationalize the New Redemption Hospital and upgrade equipment (such as dialysis machines) at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center.

Funding to address public sector wage disparities and an allocation to begin amortizing a nearly US$60 million debt owed to the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) for unpaid historical contributions.

Funding earmarked to recruit and train 800 new personnel for the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and 600 for the National Police.

The draft budget is now under review by the legislative committees of the 55^th National Legislature for formal hearings, adjustments, and eventual debate.