Gov't Special Cabinet Meeting Concludes with a call for a $1 Billion Increase in National Budget.

Monrovia Liberia: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai convened a special Cabinet meeting today, August 15, 2024, at the Executive Mansion Tea Hub. The meeting centered on strategies for the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) to mobilize domestic revenue and achieve a target of $1 billion for the national budget. 

Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, who spoke to journalists following the meeting, shared that LRA Commissioner Dorbor Jallah called for increased support to enhance his efforts in boosting revenue. 

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Vice president Jeremiah koung at the special Cabinet meeting 

Piah also noted that while key security matters were discussed, they were not meant for public disclosure.

Dating back in History, Liberia Budget have never been raised to One billon before. Fiscal Year 2021/2022 the Liberian government, under President George Weah, proposed a budget of approximately USD 731 million. This budget focused on sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure.

Fiscal Year 2020/2021 The budget was around USD 785 million. It was aimed at addressing economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and included allocations for health and social services.

Fiscal Year 2019/2020 The budget was about USD 617 million. This budget emphasized economic reform, infrastructure development, and social programs.

For precise figures and detailed breakdowns, consulting the official budget documents released by Liberia's Ministry of Finance or reports from international financial institutions would be necessary.

Liberia's budgetary history reflects the country's economic and political challenges. For past governments, budgets have often focused on areas like infrastructure development, education, and healthcare, while also addressing debt repayments and economic instability.

For instance, under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (2006-2018), the budgets generally aimed at promoting reconstruction and development following the civil wars. Key priorities included improving infrastructure, expanding education, and boosting healthcare services.

Under President George Weah, who took office in January 2018, the budgets have been oriented towards economic development, job creation, and infrastructure improvement, but the country has faced challenges such as high debt levels and economic instability.