What’s In This Supplementary Budget?
By K. Ericson Sayee, Contributing Writer
CAPITAL HILL, Monrovia -April 13, 2026–President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. has submitted to the House of Representatives US$45 Million Supplementary Budget for legislative enactment. When approved, it would increase the current national budget from US$1.2497 to US$1.2947 billion.
In a formal communication addressed to House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon during a special sitting on April 13, 2026, President Boakai cited Section 23.1 of the Amended Public Financial Management Act of 2009. This provision mandates legislative approval whenever new revenues are identified after the initial budget has already been passed into law.
The President explained that majority of the supplementary budget revealing that about 89 percent, or US$40 million originates from delayed support tied to the 2025 fiscal year, specifically from the World Bank. The communication added that the remaining US$5 million comes from stronger-than-expected domestic revenue performance, which the government considers suitable for inclusion in the current budget.
He further clarified that the proposed adjustment will apply to the full fiscal period from January 1 to December 31, 2026, and according to him, the increase in domestic revenue reflects improved tax administration and collection efforts, suggesting that the government has been able to meet its internal expenditure goals.
Out of the total amount, US$28.9 million (64.3 percent) is being directed to recurrent expenditures, while US$16.1 million (35.7 percent) is intended for the Public Sector Investment Plan.
Of some of major sectors expected to benefit include public administration, which is set to receive US$11.4 million, followed by health with US$10.9 million, and education with US$7.3 million.
He noted that as for infrastructure and basic services, the government allocated US$7.2 million, while security and rule of law institutions are to receive US$5.1 million. In addition, the President says smaller portions will go toward social development, local governance, agriculture, commerce and industry, as well as energy and environmental initiatives.
President Boakai noted that the proposed budget aligns with his administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and called on lawmakers to give it prompt consideration.
If passed, domestic revenue would make up 91.3 percent of the revised budget—approximately US$1.1827 billion—while external funding would account for 8.7 percent, or US$112 million.
Following the reading of the communication in plenary, the House forwarded the proposal to its Committees on Ways, Means and Finance, along with Public Accounts, for detailed review. The committees have been instructed to report their findings within the duration of the special session.
The decision ensued from the motion raised on the floor by Montserrado County District #2 lawmaker Sekou Konneh which was seconded and supported and endorsed by the plenary of the House of Representatives.
This instrument is one of the key issues mentioned in the President’s letter to the Legislature when he was calling them back for a special sitting, which is expected to last for the period of a ten-working day, beginning from April 9-23, 2026.