MONROVIA-Liberia’s historic crossing of the US$1 billion domestic revenue mark has drawn praise from Sinoe Senator, Cllr. Augustine Chie, but the senator is challenging the government to ensure the unprecedented revenue increase translates into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Liberians.
The Sinoe County Senator, Cllr. Chie credited Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah and his team for the milestone, describing it as proof of what professional leadership can accomplish when provided with the necessary resources and institutional support.
He said the success should also start a bigger conversation about how the extra money is used.
"The extra money should be used where everyday Liberians see the results ", Mr Chie said.
Chie is calling for increased domestic resources to be directed toward four critical sectors: Health, Education, Agriculture and Roads, which he has grouped under the acronym “HEAR.”
The senator proposed that funds collected above a benchmark such as US$800 million could receive priority allocation to those sectors each financial year.
He also cautioned against allowing increased government resources to result mainly in higher administrative spending, including expenditure on official travel, vehicles, conferences and other government services.
“Revenue mobilisation must be matched by responsible spending,” he said.
The senator recalled that when Jallah appeared before the Senate for confirmation as Commissioner General-designate, he described his appointment as one of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s best decisions, citing his competence, experience and integrity.
Chie said his assessment was informed by firsthand experience working with Jallah during Liberia’s 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak, when he served as Deputy Incident Manager for Support Services within the national Incident Management System.
He said Jallah later sought legislative backing for efforts to increase domestic revenue collection.
“I told my colleagues that I believed him. Today, that aspiration has become a reality,” Sen. Chie said.
The 1 billion domestic revenue milestone has led Senator Chie to push again for professionalism in government. He said political loyalists would continue to have a role in government, but argued that strategic state institutions should be led according to competence, experience, professionalism and integrity.
Chie noted that Liberia has qualified and competent professionals at home and abroad who can help the country grow. He also said once a political party takes power, its duty is for the country, not just for its own members.
Senator Chie said the real meaning of the milestone will depend on whether people see services. He called for increments in allocation for healthcare, education, agriculture, roads and opportunities for young people, while urging caution over increased government consumption.
"Now let the extra money HEAR the people ", Senator Chie said.