Monrovia, Liberia — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is expected to deliver his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, January 26, 2026, before a joint sitting of the Legislature at the Capitol Building on Capitol Hill, Monrovia.
The annual address, as required by the Constitution, will give the President another opportunity to report on the condition of the country, outline achievements made so far, and present his administration’s plans for the coming year.
Article 58 of the Liberian Constitution states that:
The President shall, on the fourth working Monday in January of each year, present the administration’s legislative program for the ensuing session.
Looking Back on His First SONA
President Boakai delivered his first State of the Nation Address on January 29, 2024, shortly after assuming office. In that address, he gave what many described as an honest assessment of Liberia’s condition.
He acknowledged deep-rooted national challenges, including economic hardship, widespread poverty, unemployment, drug abuse among youth, corruption, and weak infrastructure. The President told lawmakers that the state of the nation was “not where it should be,” and called for collective responsibility to rebuild the country.
A major highlight of the 2024 address was the introduction of the ARREST Agenda, his administration’s development framework focusing on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism. President Boakai said the agenda would serve as the roadmap for economic recovery, food security, job creation, and national development.
He also stressed the importance of national unity, discipline in governance, and cooperation between the Executive and Legislature to pass laws that would support reform efforts.
Second SONA — January 27, 2025
In his second State of the Nation Address on January 27, 2025, President Boakai shifted from assessment to progress and early achievements.
He reported improvements in domestic revenue collection, stronger fiscal discipline, and renewed efforts to stabilize the economy. The President highlighted steps taken to strengthen public financial management, reform state-owned enterprises, and improve transparency in government spending.
Infrastructure development also featured prominently, with the President pointing to road rehabilitation projects, county development initiatives, and efforts to expand basic services across the country.
On the social front, he spoke about interventions in education, health, and youth empowerment, while acknowledging that rising prices and unemployment continued to burden ordinary Liberians. Once again, he emphasized unity, peace, and the rule of law as essential to sustaining progress.
What Liberians Hope to Hear in 2026 SONA
As President Boakai prepares to deliver his third address, many Liberians are eager to hear clear updates on promises made under the ARREST Agenda, as well as concrete plans for addressing ongoing challenges.
Key Expectations Include:
1. Stronger action on job creation, especially for young people
2. Lower cost of living and relief from rising prices of basic goods
3. Improved road connectivity and infrastructure development nationwide
4. Tougher stance on corruption and accountability in government
5. Better delivery of education and health services
Practical solutions to drug abuse and social challenges affecting communities
At the same time, Liberians are aware that challenges remain, including limited resources, global economic pressures, and long-standing structural problems that cannot be solved overnight.
Monday’s address is therefore expected to not only highlight achievements, but also clearly acknowledge obstacles, outline realistic solutions, and reassure citizens of the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
President Boakai’s third State of the Nation Address will be closely watched by lawmakers, civil society actors, the Press, development partners, and the general public as a key moment to measure progress and set the tone for the year ahead.
