By: Archie Boan
The Government of Liberia’s plan to raise US$1.2 billion in FY2026, a projected 36% increase from the previous fiscal year, is facing significant challenges as State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) continue to underperform and disregard legislative oversight.
Presenting the preliminary revenue report, Representative P. Mark Jurry, Chair of the Ways, Means and Finance Committee, warned that the success of the government’s ambitious revenue agenda depends heavily on SOE cooperation something he says remains lacking.
Rep. Jurry cited unrealistic projections from the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC) and the National Port Authority (NPA), while advising the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) to adopt more conservative estimates due to global uncertainties.
The committee stressed that SOE performance remains a critical risk to achieving the US$1.2 billion target. It recommended mandatory audits, standardized reporting, expedited passage of key revenue bills, and the transfer of weak SOE revenue streams to the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA).
Amid these concerns, the House of Representatives has summoned all SOEs to appear before full Plenary next Tuesday. The decision follows their repeated failure to attend the ongoing revenue component hearings, which lawmakers say threatens both the budget timeline and future revenue stability.
SOE heads are required to appear with their legal representatives to explain why they should not be held in contempt.
The House has also summoned the Minister of Justice to clarify reports of halted garnishment enforcement by the LRA, along with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning for further explanation.
Lawmakers insist that transparency, compliance, and improved coordination are essential if the government is to meet its revenue goal. With enforcement gaps widening and SOE participation lagging, the Legislature warns that achieving the US$1.2 billion target will require urgent reforms and stronger institutional commitment.
