By Emmanuel M. Kangar, Jr.
An investigation by Verity News has obtained leaked documents and staff testimonies, including from HIES contractors, revealing a resignation, unpaid salaries, a toxic working environment, and alleged financial malpractices. “Imagine drivers should receive US$1,000 for fuel, but they’ve only been receiving US$675,” a staff confided in this paper.
Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS) staffs are reportedly complaining of a toxic working environment, with many contractual workers expressing frustration over prolonged delays in salary payments and other benefits. According to one contractor, “The last time we were officially paid was December 18, 2025,” highlighting the growing concern among employees over financial uncertainty.
Several HIES workers speaking to Verity News also alleged discrepancies in their contractual agreements. “In the contract sheets there should be insurance, but for the past three months there has been no insurance, and they are even taking US$50 from our money,” multiple staff told Verity News. These claims point to possible alleged financial irregularities in the administration of contractors’ benefits.
Drivers involved in the HIES project have similarly raised concerns, alleging that while they are required to sign for $1,000 allocated for fuel, they have reportedly been receiving only $675 from management. This alleged shortfall has fueled suspicions of financial mismanagement within the institution.
In addition to financial grievances, some contractors reported ethical concerns related to field operations. One worker stated, “There is a place in the questionnaire where we should state that we give the respondent a gift, whereas we didn’t give anything and we didn’t receive anything to give them,” suggesting possible data integrity issues.
According to documents in the possession of this paper, the institution reportedly hired 60 price collectors, 50 household listers, 137 enumerators, 27 supervisors, and 22 drivers, many of whom are said to be experiencing similar challenges.
Meanwhile, a leaked internal response from HIES Consultant Kormay Adams acknowledged the delay in staff payments, stating that management is fully aware of the situation and has taken steps to address it. According to the message, an emergency meeting was convened by the Director General alongside key committees to prioritize staff payments and related benefits.
The consultant further noted that the Director General has committed to ensuring payments are processed, including engaging relevant financial institutions to prevent further delays. The message emphasized that management is making significant efforts to resolve the issue and encouraged staff to address concerns through appropriate and professional channels.
When contacted, the Director General of LISGIS, Richard Ngafuan, requested an in-person meeting with Verity News before responding to the allegations. However, our reporter requested a telephone response instead through a questionnaire also forwarded to his WhatsApp. Though the Director General agreed to return the call, he had not done so up to the time of publication.
