MONROVIA — President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, on Monday formally opened the 3rd Session of the 55th Legislature, outlining major legislative achievements, oversight actions, and institutional reforms undertaken by the Senate during the previous session.
Welcoming senators, former lawmakers, Senate staff, development partners, members of the media, and the general public, Pro Tempore Lawrence extended New Year greetings and commended the government for improved road conditions, which she said enabled lawmakers to freely travel to their respective counties during the holiday and constituency recess. She credited President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s vision for making roads more accessible nationwide.
Reflecting on the work of the Senate, Lawrence noted that the Second Session of the 55th Legislature officially adjourned on December 18, 2025. During that period, the Senate held 59 sittings and passed 76 pieces of legislation, including 64 enactments, nine ratifications, and three amendments. Additionally, 236 nominees were designated, of which 213 were confirmed.
She highlighted key oversight interventions, including the Senate’s decision to adjust petroleum pricing, a move that expanded national road funds and is expected to finance road equipment for all counties. She also reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment—now fulfilled—to include budgetary appropriations for all county capitals and salaries for County Council members in the national budget.
The Senate President Pro Tempore further recognized the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Defense and Security for their pivotal role in Liberia’s successful election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, congratulating the nation on assuming its seat and calling for regular committee briefings on related developments.
On legislative reforms, Lawrence referenced the passage of the Port Authority and Port Autonomy bills by both houses of the Legislature after addressing sections previously vetoed by the President. She described the bills as central to the Senate’s economic decentralization agenda, with the potential to stimulate development in Liberia’s port cities, create employment opportunities, and ease population pressure on Monrovia. She also emphasized that the Port Authority Act establishes a regulatory framework aligned with international best practices.
Turning to internal reforms, Lawrence announced ongoing efforts to standardize salaries for Senate staff. She disclosed that the Senate Secretary has been directed to collaborate with the Civil Service Agency and relevant committees to conduct personnel and credential assessments, with the aim of completing the process ahead of the next national budget. She also ordered a review of the harmonization process affecting civil servants to ensure fair compensation based on qualifications and responsibilities.
On infrastructure, the Pro Tempore confirmed the Government of China’s continued commitment to renovating the Capitol Building’s joint chamber and old structure. Relevant Senate committees, in collaboration with House counterparts and the Ministry of Public Works, have been tasked with completing a feasibility study to advance the project.
Addressing accountability, Lawrence reported notable progress in implementing recommendations from the General Auditing Commission (GAC). Since requesting a comprehensive audit in February 2024, the Senate has fully implemented 25 recommendations and partially implemented nine, with additional corrective policies awaiting plenary validation.
She disclosed that several draft human resource, financial, and organizational policy documents have been completed, including performance management systems, compensation frameworks, employee handbooks, and the Senate Strategic Plan for 2025–2029. These reforms, she said, will be prioritized as the Senate resumes work from recess.
In closing, Pro Tempore Lawrence stated that the opening of the session was in accordance with the Liberian Constitution and Senate rules, and formally declared the 3rd Session of the 55th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia duly open.
