The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), through its Fiscal Decentralization Unit, and in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), has concluded a training workshop on the Revenue Sharing Law and Validation for local county Superintendents.
Held from July 10-13, in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, the workshop was aimed at strengthening the capacities of local government leaders to effectively manage and allocate financial resources per the Revenue Sharing Act.
It comes as a direct response to a directive from President Joseph Boakai, who has stressed the importance of ensuring that all government ministries and agencies implement Section 7.2 of the Revenue Sharing Act, especially the retention of 40 percent of all revenue generated at county service centers across the country.
The mandate from the Liberian leader underscores the nation’s commitment to decentralization and equitable resource distribution which is essential for fostering sustainable development across Liberia’s counties.
Speaking at the validation workshop, Internal Affairs Deputy Minister for Operations, Selena Mappy, stated that the training is intended to prepare Superintendents for what she termed as “bigger tasks head.”
Mappy pointed out that the training and validation workshop was also timely, following the Inter- Ministerial Committee on Decentralization (IMCD) meeting held recently by President Boakai.
She furthered that the revenue-sharing law gives many responsibilities to superintendents and local government officials, and thanked the Finance Ministry and the UNDP for the “prompt” planning of the training and validation workshop.
Earlier, Nimba County Superintendent, Meapeh Kou Gono provided a historical narrative of important events that have taken place in the county, thereby referenced the county as being the birthplace of the African Union and added that the county is an ideal tourism destination that could meaningfully contribute to the President’s tourism program under the ARREST Agenda.
The Revenue Sharing Act outlines the framework for allocating and distributing national revenue to local governments. It is also designed to promote transparency, accountability, and equitable sharing of resources, enabling each county to address its unique developmental needs.
Moreover, it is the basis of Liberia’s decentralization policy, which aims to empower local governments and reduce inequalities between urban and rural areas, and at the training, the Superintendents received a detailed explanation of the Act, focusing on its objectives, principles, and specific provisions.
They also gained insights into Liberia’s legal and regulatory frameworks governing revenue sharing, as the workshop also delved into best practices for financial management, and the importance of transparency and accountability in handling public funds.
Additionally, they learned about budgeting, financial reporting, and auditing processes that are critical for maintaining public trust, as revenue sharing law is part of the government’s broader strategy to reinforce local governments’ financial autonomy and governance capabilities.
As Liberia continues to progress toward sustainable development, the emphasis on capacity building for local leaders reflects the government’s dedication to decentralization and good governance.
The Revenue Sharing Law and Validation Training for County Superintendents marks a pivotal step in realizing the vision of a more balanced and prosperous Liberia, where every citizen enjoys the fruits of national growth and development.