MONROVIA, Liberia – In an unusually late sitting that extended beyond 7:00 PM on Thursday, the House of Representatives voted to approve the US$1.25 billion Fiscal Year 2026 Draft National Budget, despite fierce objections from two lawmakers who argued that the spending plan fails to address Liberia’s urgent economic needs.
The final vote count stood at 42 in favor, 2 against, and 1 abstention, allowing the bill to advance to the Senate for concurrence.
Two Representatives Stand Against the Budget
The only dissenting votes came from Rep. Musa Hassan Bility and Rep. Frank Saah Foko, both of whom sharply criticized the budget and the process leading to its passage.
- Rep. Musa Hassan Bility (Nimba County District #7)
Bility argued that the budget did not meet legislative requirements for passage, citing gaps in documentation, inconsistencies in revenue projections, and procedural shortcomings.
“This budget, in its current form, does not satisfy the requirements for approval,” he said. - Rep. Frank Saah Foko (Montserrado County District #9)
Foko rejected the bill on the grounds that it fails to respond to the hardships facing ordinary Liberians.
“This budget does not speak to poverty reduction, job creation, and the real issues our people are facing,” he said. “I cannot and will not support it.”
One Lawmaker Abstains
A single lawmaker abstained from the vote, signaling reservations but stopping short of outright rejection. The abstention highlights the deeper concerns some lawmakers hold about revenue reliability, expenditure priorities, and the overall economic direction of the budget.
Key Areas of Contention
1. Poverty Alleviation & Social Spending
Opponents and civil society actors say the budget’s allocations toward social welfare, food security, and community development are insufficient, with no clear national poverty-reduction roadmap.
2. Transparency and Process
Rep. Bility’s objections reignited broader concerns about:
- Missing or incomplete agency justifications
- Undocumented adjustments
- Lack of clarity in cost-benefit breakdowns for major projects
Several lawmakers argued that the process appeared rushed, especially given the nighttime passage.
3. Revenue Projections
Though the Liberia Revenue Authority projected improved domestic revenue, analysts warn that the figures may be overly optimistic, given slow private-sector growth and weak production outputs.
4. Sector Prioritization
Debate centered on whether sectors like health, education, and infrastructure received adequate, realistic funding.
Supporters pointed to increased road and energy allocations, while critics argued that without better oversight, funds could be mismanaged as in previous years.
Nighttime Passage Raises Eyebrows
The decision to pass the budget during a nighttime session has drawn public attention, with some civil society groups questioning why lawmakers rushed through a document of such national importance after normal working hours.
Legislative leaders said the timing was necessary to keep the budget process on schedule.
Next Steps: Senate Review
The FY2026 Draft Budget now heads to the Liberian Senate, which will begin its own scrutiny, including:
- Hearings with ministries and agencies
- Possible amendments
- Harmonization with the House version
Once both chambers agree, the budget will be forwarded to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for signature into law.
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