The 55^th National Legislature will commence scrutiny of the draft National budget of 2024; submitted to that august body by the executive.

In a press release over the weekend, the Legislative Budget Office (LBO) of the 55th Legislature unveiled the calendar of events for the Fiscal Year 2024 Draft National Budget Hearings, with a primary focus on the revenue component of the budget.

According to a press release from the House of Representatives, the budget hearing is set to commence on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 9:00 AM.

The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Board of Tax Appeals, Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), National Port Authority, and the Ministry of Mines & Energy will be the first to take the stand before the joint Legislative Committee on Ways, Means, and Finance. The honorable Joint Committee Chair, Hon. Dixon Wlawlee. Seboe, will preside over the proceedings.

Day two of the hearings is scheduled for Tuesday, April 9, 2024, and will feature presentations from six key agencies: the Liberia Maritime Authority, Liberia Telecommunication Authority (LTA), National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NAFAA), Forestry Development Authority (FDA), and the Ministry of Transport.

On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, the spotlight will be on another batch of government agencies.

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry/Liberia Business Registry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Liberia Immigration Services (LIS), Liberia National Police, Liberia Petroleum Refining Corporation (LPRC), Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and the National Road Fund are among those expected to appear.

Day four will witness presentations from the Ministry of Public Works (MPW), Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), and the Ministry of Post & Telecommunications (MPT).

The House’s Press and Public Affairs release, quoting the LBO, underscored that all presentations will be led by heads of institutions. Additionally, team and sector head ministries will remain present to facilitate presentations by sector members.