President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has declared that the state of Liberia is stronger than it was a year ago, citing progress recorded under his administration and renewed confidence in the country’s future.
Delivering his Annual Message to the Fourth Joint Session of the 55th National Legislature on Monday, January 26, 2026, President Boakai reported that his Administration has deliberately built on existing gains over the past year, strengthening public trust and restoring hope that Liberia’s promise can be fully realized for the benefit of all citizens.
“After another year of service, we can say with confidence that the state of our nation is stronger than when we last stood here,” President Boakai declared. He underscored, “The gains we have recorded are not an end in themselves.”
The Liberian leader described the progress achieved so far as a firm foundation and clear evidence that purposeful leadership, anchored in service, can deliver tangible results. He stated that the achievements of his Administration reaffirm his belief that Liberia’s best days still lie ahead.
President Boakai disclosed that, as his government deepens the implementation of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development this year and beyond, it will proceed with resolve, courage, and clarity of purpose.
“We are guided by a simple but enduring truth,” he said, furthering that “Leadership is not defined by titles or privilege, but by humility, fidelity to our oath, and honor to the Republic.”
Emphasizing service as the true measure of leadership, President Boakai reminded lawmakers and public officials that their duty is to serve the Liberian people and not personal interest.
“We are here to serve the Liberian people, not ourselves,” the President stated. “If our purpose strays from service, disappointment will follow. Service is the measure of leadership,” he warned.
The President cautioned that Liberia stands at a defining moment between its past and its future, warning that the decisions taken now will determine whether the nation advances or falls behind.
“The choices we make now will determine whether we honor or betray the hopes entrusted to us,” he said, reminding his officials “What we do today will shape the Liberia of tomorrow.”
Despite the progress recorded, President Boakai acknowledged that several unresolved issues continue to weigh on the national conscience and affect the country’s dignity, requiring decisive action.
He announced a series of immediate steps his Administration will undertake.
First, the President said the government will continue a comprehensive review of Liberia’s concession framework to correct historical inequities in the extraction and management of natural resources, ensuring that Liberia and its people receive fair and lasting benefits.
Second, he pledged urgent action to resolve the long-standing issue surrounding the relocation of the Palm Grove Cemetery, describing the matter as one of national honor, historical responsibility, and respect for former Presidents and other distinguished citizens interred there.
Third, President Boakai committed to rehabilitating decaying public buildings in Monrovia and across the country, noting that restoring such structures is essential to preserving national assets and restoring dignity to public service.
Further, the President announced that his Administration will initiate the process of laying out major cities throughout Liberia in line with on-going decentralization efforts and in accordance with the newly enacted zoning law.
In closing, President Boakai called on all three branches of government to act in the supreme interest of the Liberian people.
“Let us govern, legislate, and judge in the supreme interest of the Liberian people,” the President urged, warning that “knowing that history will render its verdict on whether we rose to this moment and changed the course of our nation for the better.”
