Africa-Press – Liberia. The Liberian Senate seems to be worried about the implementation of the Local Government Act, as the deadline for the dissolution of districts and the potential reclassification of cities approaches.
The Liberian Senate is facing a critical phase in implementing the Local Government Act (LGA) of 2018, as the deadline for dissolving districts and potentially reclassifying cities approaches.
Maryland County Senator J. Gbleh-bo Brown, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration, has raised an urgent concern regarding Sections 2.15a and 2.16c of the LGA, which call for the dissolution of statutory districts and the reaffirmation or relegation of cities that are not county capitals.
In a communication dated June 30, 2025, addressed to Senate President Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Sen. Brown reminded the Senate Plenary of the upcoming November 19, 2025, deadline, marking seven years since the passage of the LGA.
“The grace period given for the existence of all existing statutory districts expires November 19, 2025. Thereafter, all statutory districts will be dissolved,” he warned, while cautioning that “The adverse impact will be on the several thousands of statutory district employees.”
Key provisions at stake include Section 2.15a: All existing statutory districts shall continue to exist for a period of seven years after the passage of the Act, after which they shall be dissolved. The Minister of Internal Affairs is responsible for overseeing the retirement of statutory district employees within that timeframe.
Section 2.16c: Existing cities that are not national or county capitals must be reviewed for reaffirmation, based on criteria outlined in the Act. Those that failed to meet the standards shall be relegated to town status, potentially leading to the loss of city-related government jobs.
Sen. Brown emphasized the decentralization goals of the LGA, which include reducing arbitrary administrative divisions, creating more efficient governance structures, and enhancing citizens’ participation at the local level.
“The intent of the LGA is to strengthen national unity by providing equal opportunity for all citizens to participate in governance through the devolution of administrative, fiscal, and political powers,” he stated.
He further emphasized that to avoid massive job losses and administrative confusion, the Senate should instruct its Secretariat to formally engage the Minister of Internal Affairs, Francis S. Nyumalin on a retirement plan for statutory district employees in line with Section 2.15a; as well as a reaffirmation plan and methodology for evaluating cities under Section 2.16c.
“It is hoped that the Senate will act swiftly on these matters, so that the expected impacts on our people will be alleviated,” Sen. Brown concluded.
The matter now rests with the Plenary of the Liberian Senate, which faces a tight window to act on the looming transition. Stakeholders warn that any inaction or delay could trigger administrative disruptions and public backlash in affected communities across the country.
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