10/13/2026
Pro Tempore LAWRENCE OUTLINES SENATE ACHIEVEMENTS, SETS PRIORITIES FOR NEW QUARTER
By: Melvin Flomo
CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia, October 13, 2026 — President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, has outlined the Senate’s legislative and oversight achievements while announcing key priorities for the Third Segment of the Third Session of the 55th Legislature.
Speaking during the opening of the new quarter, Karnga-Lawrence disclosed that the Senate held 47 sittings, passed 33 pieces of legislation, received 62 nominees, and confirmed 56. She added that 113 bills remain under consideration in various committee rooms.
The Pro Tempore highlighted the Senate’s oversight activities across several critical sectors, including education, healthcare, national security, electricity, petroleum revenue, and road infrastructure.
On education, she reported improved coordination between the Ministry of Education and the Civil Service Agency, which has facilitated the processing of 1,000 volunteer teachers for inclusion on the government payroll.
However, she said the Senate will continue seeking updates on teacher recruitment, school renovations, the distribution of chairs, and the implementation of the EXCEL Foundational Learning Programme.
In the health sector, Karnga-Lawrence disclosed that 7,391 health workers had been selected for employment, with 4,038 already employed, including 2,379 former volunteer health workers.
She emphasized that the Senate will maintain its focus on payroll accountability, rural healthcare delivery, staffing shortages, and housing conditions at referral hospitals.
On national security, the Senate leader noted that oversight efforts following two co***ne seizures contributed to the arrest, charging, and indictment of suspects, whose cases are now before the courts.
She also reported that increased budgetary support has enabled the Armed Forces of Liberia to begin training and recruiting additional personnel to strengthen the country's military capacity.
SENATE TARGETS ELECTRICITY AND PETROLEUM REFORMS
Addressing the petroleum sector, Karnga-Lawrence said the Senate reviewed petroleum pricing arrangements and advised the Executive Branch to restructure the pricing framework to minimize revenue leakages.
She explained that the Executive subsequently revised the pricing structure, allocating two cents and nine cents per gallon of petroleum products to support social programmes and county equipment needs, respectively.
The revised arrangement is projected to generate approximately US$16 million annually.
As part of its priorities for the new quarter, the Senate intends to mandate its Committee on Hydrocarbon and Energy to begin hearings with the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) to examine measures for ensuring a stable electricity supply ahead of the dry season.
SENATE INVESTIGATES PETROLEUM REVENUE, ROAD FUND
Meanwhile, a review of Liberia Revenue Authority data covering January to June 2026 showed that US$8.4 million had been generated under the revised petroleum revenue arrangements.
Of that amount, US$1.7 million was allocated to social programmes, while US$6.7 million was designated for county equipment support.
An additional US$24 million was reportedly generated for the Road Fund during the same six-month period.
However, the review identified concerns over petroleum taxes collected but not transferred to the government's Consolidated Account.
In response, the Senate has established a Special Committee to investigate outstanding past and current revenues and recommend appropriate legislative action.
The committee is expected to submit its comprehensive report to the Senate Plenary on Thursday.
The Senate's Public Works Committee is also expected to work with relevant committees to examine the management of the Road Fund and ensure that its resources are used exclusively for road development and maintenance, as required by law.
SENATE PURSUES INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS
On institutional accountability, Karnga-Lawrence announced that the Senate will advance the implementation of its five-year strategic plan while continuing efforts to address outstanding audit recommendations.
According to her, the General Auditing Commission rated the Senate's implementation of audit recommendations at 81 percent.
She disclosed that, out of 145 recommendations reviewed, 99 had been fully implemented, while 36 were partially implemented.
The Pro Tempore urged Senate committees to intensify their legislative and oversight activities, stressing the importance of accountability and effective monitoring of government programmes.
She emphasized that the Senate must ensure government commitments translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Liberians.
Karnga-Lawrence's remarks come as the Senate begins a new quarter with a renewed focus on legislative productivity, public financial accountability, institutional reform, and oversight of critical national sectors.
