The National Democratic Coalition (NDC) has acknowledged the 2026 State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) by His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., the President of the Republic of Liberia, delivered in fulfilment of Article 58 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia. “The Address is welcomed as both a Constitutional duty and a vital opportunity for national reflection, accountability, and forward planning,” the NDC observed in a press release.
According to the release, “As Liberia’s only social democratic party, the NDC situates its response in the spirit of solidarity, constructive dialogue, and commitment to the long-term stability and inclusive development of our nation. We applaud the measurable progress highlighted by the President while also underscoring the need for reforms that deepen equity, transparency, and social justice.
“Democratic Governance and Constitutional Order: The NDC commends the President’s reaffirmation of Constitutional governance, the rule of law, and national unity, particularly in the aftermath of the Capitol Building arson attack. We welcome the assurance that justice will be pursued impartially and that Liberia’s democracy will not be intimidated or reversed. The emphasis on cooperation among the three branches of government, grounded in mutual respect and dialogue, reflects principles essential to sustaining democratic stability and restoring public trust in state institutions.
“Legislative Agenda and Institutional Reform: NDC recognizes the passage of key legislation, including the Ministry of Local Government Act, the Liberia National Tourism Authority Act, and the National Food Assistance Agency Act, alongside financing agreements with development partners. These enactments advance decentralization, economic diversification, and social protection. The NDC also notes the Executive’s candid acknowledgment of delays in pending legislation and welcomes renewed commitment to reforms such as the Presidential Transition Act, Civil Service Commission Act, and anti-corruption law amendments. These measures, once enacted, will strengthen institutional integrity and ensure continuity in governance.
“Macroeconomic Performance and Fiscal Management: The NDC takes note of reported macroeconomic improvements, including a 5.1 percent GDP growth rate in 2025, declining inflation to 4 percent, improved foreign reserves, and increased export earnings. These indicators suggest progress toward stabilization after years of fiscal stress. We particularly commend the historic performance in domestic revenue mobilization, which exceeded targets and supported Liberia’s largest national budget to date. These gains reflect improved tax administration, digitalization, and fiscal discipline. As a social democratic party, we stress that such progress must be sustained through transparency, equitable allocation of resources, and prioritization of “bread-and-butter” issues that directly impact ordinary Liberians.
“Investment, Debt, and Economic Diversification: The NDC welcomes the emphasis on attracting credible investments in mining, rail, energy, hydrocarbons, and agriculture, including major concession agreements and the reactivation of strategic assets. We also recognize the government’s efforts to remain current on debt obligations while managing a sizable public debt stock. Long-term resilience, however, will depend on diversification beyond extractive industries, strengthened environmental safeguards, and fair benefit-sharing with affected communities.
“Agriculture, Food Security, and Rural Development: We commend progress in agriculture, including support to nearly 200,000 farmers directly or indirectly, feeder road rehabilitation, aquaculture expansion, and improved food security outcomes. These efforts align with the ARREST Agenda’s focus on productivity, job creation, and rural livelihoods. The prioritization of agribusiness, mechanization, and value-chain development is welcomed as a pathway to sustainable growth and youth employment.
“Infrastructure, Energy, and Connectivity: The NDC acknowledges advances in road connectivity, electricity expansion, and public transport revitalization. Increased paved roads, rural electrification, tariff reductions, and renewable energy investments are positive steps toward inclusive development. Progress in digital transformation, telecommunications, port modernization, aviation upgrades, and public transport reform reflects a growing focus on competitiveness and service delivery.
“Social Development: Education, Health, and Social Protection: We welcome improvements in education and health, including teacher recruitment, digital learning platforms, school feeding programs, reduced maternal mortality, expanded immunization coverage, and investments in health infrastructure. Expanded social protection initiatives targeting women, children, youth, and vulnerable households, alongside renewed attention to housing and sanitation, reflect progress toward social equity.
“Transparency, Accountability, and Rule of Law: The NDC notes progress in audit compliance, procurement reform, asset declaration enforcement, and anti-corruption prosecutions. These efforts are vital to restoring confidence in public institutions. We further welcome reforms in security, justice, civil service management, and land governance, including merit-based recruitment, improved frontline worker compensation, and measures to reduce land disputes.
“Foreign Relations, Diaspora Engagement, and National Reconciliation: We acknowledge Liberia’s strengthened international standing, including renewed MCC eligibility, election to the UN Security Council, and active engagement within ECOWAS, the AU, and the Mano River Union. Enhanced diaspora engagement, reconciliation initiatives, and steps to address historical injustices are commendable, as peace, justice, and inclusion remain indispensable to national healing.”
In conclusion, the NDC affirmed that the 2026 State-of-the-Nation Address reflects measurable progress in several sectors while also highlighting areas requiring sustained effort, reform, and national consensus. As a constructive political institution, the NDC said it remains committed to supporting policies that advance the welfare of the Liberian people and to offering principled critique where improvement is needed.
The NDC then recommended deepen institutional reforms:
- NDC encourages the National Legislature to expedite the passage of pending governance, anti-corruption, and transition laws to strengthen accountability and continuity.
- Strengthen Transparency: We also encourage the Ministry of Financial and Development Planning and relevant agencies to institutionalize regular public reporting on budget execution, concession agreements, and debt management.
- Accelerate Economic Diversification: Scale investments in agriculture, SMEs, manufacturing, and the digital economy to reduce overreliance on extractive industries.
- Protect the Vulnerable: Expand social protection, health insurance, housing, and sanitation programs, especially for rural and urban poor communities.
- Empower Youth and Women: Align employment, skills training, and entrepreneurship initiatives with county development plans and private-sector needs to address the issue of youth unemployment and underemployment.
- Ensure Inclusive Decentralization: Provide adequate fiscal transfers and capacity support to local governments to make decentralization effective in the full implementation of the Revenue Sharing Law of Liberia.
- Sustain National Dialogue: Institutionalize structured, continuous, and bipartisan consultation on major national reforms, reconciliation processes, and long-term development priorities. This should include regular platforms for engagement among political parties, civil society, traditional leaders, youth and women groups, and the private sector. Sustaining national dialogue will help build trust across political divides, promote consensus-driven policymaking, prevent conflict, and ensure that critical reforms and development strategies reflect broad national ownership and endure beyond electoral cycles.
