President Boakai to Deliver 2025 State of the Nation Address Outside National Legislature

Monrovia Liberia: President Boakai to Deliver 2025 State of the Nation Address Outside National Legislature

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai will deliver his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) at an alternative venue following the destruction of the William R. Tolbert Joint Chambers at the Capitol Building by fire. Sources within the Executive Mansion and the National Legislature have revealed that the Monrovia City Hall is being considered as the most likely venue for the annual address.

Temporary Venue for a National Tradition

The fire incident, which occurred in December 2024, caused extensive damage to the central wing of the Capitol Building, rendering the traditional venue unfit for the SONA, which is constitutionally mandated to be delivered by January 30 each year.

“It is very likely that the City Hall will be used for the occasion,” a top official from the Executive Mansion said. “Preparations are being made to ensure the venue is ready for the President’s address.”

The Chairman of the House Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration, Rep. James Kolleh, also confirmed that the Joint Chambers would not host the event due to ongoing renovation work.

“It is not feasible to complete the renovations in time for the SONA,” Kolleh said.

 “The leadership of the House and Senate is actively working with the Executive branch to identify a suitable venue that meets the requirements for such a significant national event.”

The legislative Majority Bloc has been using Monrovia City Hall for sessions since the fire, including for the controversial passage of the 2025 national budget, making it a strong contender for the address.

Impact of the Fire
The fire at the Capitol Building shocked the nation, especially residents of Capitol Hill and nearby areas. Firefighters from the Liberia National Fire Service, supported by the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation and the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company, battled the blaze for hours. 

While the fire was eventually extinguished, the damage was extensive.

President Boakai visited the site shortly after the incident and condemned the destruction, describing it as a setback for a nation working to rebuild.

“We are a poor country trying to rebuild, yet some people are intent on destroying what we have,” the President remarked. “If you have grievances, use the rule of law.”
He instructed the Ministry of Justice to expedite investigations and bring those responsible to justice, emphasizing zero tolerance for vandalism of public property.

Focus of the Address

Article 58 of Liberia’s Constitution requires the President to present the administration’s legislative agenda on the fourth working Monday of January. This year’s address will be President Boakai’s second since taking office and is expected to highlight key achievements and plans under his ARREST Agenda—focusing on Agriculture, Roads, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism.

The President is also expected to address economic challenges, outline measures to combat corruption, and present strategies for creating jobs and empowering small businesses.

In his New Year’s message, President Boakai emphasized his commitment to economic growth and institutional reform.
“Our economy must grow, and it must grow for everyone,” the President declared. “We are committed to creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and ensuring that our natural resources benefit all Liberians not just a privileged few.”

He reiterated his administration’s focus on transparency and accountability as pillars of good governance.

“Every Liberian deserves a government they can trust a government that acts with integrity and delivers results,”Boakai said.
As the government finalizes preparations for the SONA, all eyes remain on the President’s upcoming address, which will set the tone for Liberia’s development agenda in 2025.