MONROVIA – A U.S.-based Liberian activist, Norris Johnson, has voiced concern over Liberia’s proposed 2026 national budget, which he says reflects both ambition and misplaced priorities.
In a public statement titled “Context on Liberia’s FY2026 Budget Increase,” Johnson highlighted that the draft budget—submitted to the Liberian Senate for ratification—has been proposed at a record US$1.211 billion, representing a 37.5 percent increase over the FY2025 budget of about US$880 million.
“This marks the largest expansion in recent years,” Johnson wrote, noting that it demonstrates the government’s determination under its ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which emphasizes fiscal discipline, transparency, and investment in key sectors such as health, education, security, and infrastructure.
However, Johnson questioned the underlying motivations for the increase and the practical benefits for ordinary Liberians.
“What influenced this increase? Which sectors will truly benefit? And most importantly, how will this impact the lives of ordinary Liberians?” he asked. “From where I sit in my living room, I honestly believe the 2026 budget appropriation is misguided—and I challenge anyone to prove me wrong.”
He expressed particular concern that while the budget for the Office of the Speaker and the Legislature appears to have grown, allocations for essential public servants—such as teachers, nurses, doctors, soldiers, police officers, and immigration officials—remain largely unchanged.
Nonetheless, Johnson praised the government for boosting funding to the Ministry of Education, especially support for the University of Liberia, and acknowledged reductions in the budgets of the Offices of the President and Vice President, calling these “a step in the right direction for fiscal modesty.”
The activist also urged greater investment in the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasizing its potential to drive food security and employment.
In a reflective note, Johnson recalled that political leader Alexander Cummings had once been mocked for suggesting that Liberia’s budget could surpass a billion dollars—a vision that now seems to have materialized.
“Constructive criticism is not an attack—it’s what drives motivation, accountability, and course correction,” Johnson wrote. “Don’t just criticize—analyze.”
The proposed FY2026 budget now awaits legislative scrutiny and public debate, as Liberians assess how the record increase will translate into tangible improvements in daily life.
