The Liberian Senate has reported passing 33 pieces of legislation during the Third Session of the 55th Legislature, while disclosing that 113 bills remain pending in committee rooms and raising concerns over petroleum revenues allegedly not deposited into the government’s Consolidated Account.
Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence made the disclosure Tuesday, October 13, 2026, as lawmakers resumed legislative activities, outlining the institution’s performance and outstanding accountability concerns.
According to Karnga-Lawrence, the Senate held 47 sittings, reviewed 60 committee reports and confirmed 56 of 62 nominees during the session.
However, the 113 pending bills represent a significant legislative backlog, with the Senate Judiciary Committee reportedly holding the largest number.
Karnga-Lawrence called for a retreat involving legal experts and relevant institutions to accelerate the review of pending legislation and improve the Senate’s legislative output.
Beyond the legislative backlog, concerns over the collection and management of petroleum-related revenues have emerged as a major accountability issue.
Karnga-Lawrence disclosed that US$8.4 million was generated between January and June 2026 from designated petroleum-related allocations, including US$1.7 million for social programs and US$6.7 million for county equipment.
An additional US$24 million was reportedly raised for the Road Fund during the same period.
Despite these reported collections, the Senate identified concerns over previously collected petroleum revenues that were not paid into the government’s Consolidated Account, as well as questions involving some current revenues.
A special committee is expected to report on the matter, while lawmakers have called for stronger oversight to ensure that Road Fund resources are properly accounted for and used for their intended purposes.
The disclosure raises questions about revenue accountability and the effectiveness of existing oversight mechanisms, although the Senate’s statement did not specify the total amount of petroleum revenues allegedly not deposited into the Consolidated Account.
The Senate also highlighted persistent staffing and service-delivery concerns in the education and health sectors.
Karnga-Lawrence said an additional 1,000 volunteer teachers had been processed for possible inclusion on the government payroll.
In the health sector, 7,391 workers were selected for employment, of whom 4,038 had been employed, including 2,379 former volunteers.
The Senate said it would continue pushing for improved staffing arrangements, better rural incentives and housing for health workers.
Lawmakers are also seeking updates on school renovations, classroom furniture and the implementation of the EXCEL Foundational Learning Programme.
On national security, the Senate reported that its intervention following two cocaine seizures contributed to arrests and court proceedings.
It also said additional budgetary support had enabled the Armed Forces of Liberia to begin recruiting and training more personnel.
Meanwhile, the Senate reported progress in implementing audit recommendations reviewed by the General Auditing Commission.
Of 145 recommendations reviewed, 99 were fully implemented, while 36 were partially implemented. The Senate put its reported implementation rate at 81 percent.
