The Minister of Finance, Dr. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has revealed in a recent press conference that starting January 2025, no central government employee in Liberia will earn less than US$150 per month as Salary. This decision aligns with the Decent Work Act of 2015, marking a significant step towards ensuring fair compensation for government employees across the country.
Speaking during his first press briefing under the Boakai administration at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), Minister Ngafuan emphasized that the government has already allocated the necessary funds to implement this minimum wage adjustment. He also pledged that all government workers would receive their salaries on or before the 24th of each month, with immediate effect from this November.
Salaries of Essential Workers to See Significant Boost
In addition to raising the minimum wage, the FY2025 draft budget includes allocations for salary improvements for key sectors such as healthcare, education, and national security. Doctors, teachers, soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), police officers, and members of the Executive Protection Service (EPS) are among those expected to benefit from these adjustments.
A Bold Budget for Progress
Minister Ngafuan disclosed that the draft national budget for FY2025 is projected at US$851.8 million, with the following breakdown:
• Domestic Revenue: US$791.76 million (93% of the total budget), including:
• Tax Revenue: US$633.72 million (80% of domestic revenue)
• Non-Tax Revenue: US$138.5 million (17.4% of domestic revenue)
• External Resources: US$60 million (7% of the total budget), sourced from:
• World Bank: US$40 million
• European Union: US$20 million
This represents a 50% increase in external resources compared to FY2024, reflecting a growing partnership with international donors.
What This Means for Liberia
The salary adjustment and timely payment commitments signal a renewed focus on prioritizing the welfare of government workers under President Joseph Boakai’s administration. Minister Ngafuan’s announcement is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to improving public service delivery and adhering to labor laws.
For many government employees, especially those in lower-paying positions, the implementation of the US$150 minimum wage offers hope for a more stable livelihood. Combined with plans to increase salaries for critical workers, the initiative aims to boost morale and enhance productivity across the public sector.
This news is a beacon of hope for Liberia’s workforce and a step towards economic justice in a nation striving for sustainable development. As the details unfold, all eyes will be on how these promises materialize in the months ahead.
Stay tuned for more updates on this story as we continue to monitor its impact on Liberia’s economy and workforce.
