No Gov’t Worker Will Be Paid Below US$150

-Finance Minister Says Decent Work Act Will Be Enforced in FY2025

The Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has announced sweeping reforms to affect government salaries as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY2025) National Budget, says starting January 2025, no central government employee will earn less than $150 per month in a bid to fulfil the Decent Work Act of 2015 which provides for the minimum wage requirement for government workers.

   Speaking at a press briefing organized by the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 Minister Ngafuan assured the public that provisions have been made in the FY2025 draft budget to implement this new salary threshold.

  He further emphasized that starting immediately as of the 2025 fiscal budget year, government employees would receive their salaries on or before the 24th of each month.

   The FY2025 budget also prioritizes salary enhancements for key sectors, including healthcare, education, law enforcement and the military. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., officially submitted the $851.8 million FY2025 Draft National Budget to the National Legislature for review, which represents a 15.3% increase from the $738.9 million 2024 Recast Budget.

   Breaking down the budget’s revenue sources, Minister Ngafuan disclosed that the 

Core Revenue: $833 million (97.8%) of total revenue Contingent Revenue of $18.8 million representing 2.2% of total revenue.

  He also said Domestic Revenue is $791.76 million, 93% of total revenue, comprising Tax Revenue amounting to $633.72 million, 80% of domestic revenue and Non-Tax Revenue totaling $138.5 million (17.4% of domestic revenue).

   For External Resources, the amount to $60 million, sourced from the World Bank ($40 million) and the European Union’s $20 million, reflecting a 50% increase in external contributions compared to FY2024.

  The Finance and Development Planning Minister emphasized that the budget aligns with the administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), focusing on critical national programs, debt servicing, and other obligations.

   “The 2025 draft budget represents a forward-looking plan that balances fiscal responsibility with the need to improve public service delivery,” Minister Ngafuan remarked.

  He recounted that key sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and job creation are central to the government’s spending priorities, highlighting increased funding for public schools, teacher training, and scholarships for underprivileged students. 

   The Finance and Development Planning Minister also detailed allocations for rural clinics, medical supplies, and incentives for healthcare workers and pointed to ongoing road construction and electrification projects aimed at connecting remote areas and boosting economic activity.

Revenue Reforms and Accountability

Minister Ngafuan also underscored the importance of tax collection and public financial management reforms to sustain the government’s ambitious plans. “We are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in managing public funds,” he noted.

   President Boakai, he said, has urged lawmakers to expedite their review and approval of the budget, emphasizing the need for timely implementation to enhance government operations and service delivery. 

  The budget submission, he disclosed, complies with Section 17.1 of the 2019 Amendment and Restatement of the Public Financial Management Act of 2009, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transparency.

   As discussions continue, many Liberians are optimistic that the proposed measures will bring tangible improvements to their communities and lives, marking a significant step toward inclusive development, the Finance Minister asserted.