Liberian Senate Opens Third Session, Highlights Legislative Gains and Reform Agenda

By Laymah Kollie

January 14, 2026

Monrovia: The Liberian Senate has officially opened the Third Session of the 55th Legislature, marking a return from recess with renewed commitments to legislative reforms, oversight, and national development.

Delivering remarks at the opening session on Monday, January 12, Senate leadership welcomed senators, former lawmakers, staff, members of the media, and the general public, while extending New Year greetings to Liberians at home and abroad.

The Senate lauded the government for improved road connectivity, noting that the ability of lawmakers and citizens to freely commute to counties during the holiday season reflects progress in national infrastructure development.

The Senate formally closed the Second Session of the 55th Legislature on December 18, 2025. During that period, the Upper House recorded notable legislative activity, holding 59 sittings and passing a total of 76 pieces of legislation. Of that number, 64 were enacted into law, nine ratified, and three amended.

Additionally, 236 nominees were designated, with 213 confirmed by the Senate. Oversight and Economic Reforms Highlighting its oversight responsibilities, the Senate disclosed that during the Second Session it adjusted the pricing regime for petroleum products.

According to the Senate, this move has increased national revenue earmarked for road funds, paving the way for the acquisition of road equipment for all counties. The Senate also announced that, for the first time, appropriations for all county capitals and salaries for County Council members were included in the national budget an undertaking previously pledged at a gathering of traditional leaders, governors, and county officials. Senate leadership confirmed that the Legislature fulfilled this commitment.

In the area of foreign policy and national security, special recognition was extended to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Defense and Security for their role in Liberia’s successful election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Liberia officially took its seat on the Council a few days ago, with the Senate expressing anticipation for regular briefings from the committees. Port Reforms and Decentralization The Senate further reported the passage of the Port Authority and Port Autonomy bills by both chambers, following corrections to provisions earlier vetoed by the President.

The legislation, according to lawmakers, is part of a broader reform agenda aimed at economic decentralization. Senators expressed confidence that the bills, once approved, will spur development in Liberia’s three port cities, create employment opportunities for thousands of citizens, and ease congestion in Monrovia by encouraging internal migration.

The Port Authority bill also establishes a regulatory body for all sea and inland ports, aligning Liberia’s port governance with international best practices. The Senate commended the public and media for their constructive engagement and debate on the port reforms, describing it as vital to democratic accountability.

 Administrative and Staff Reforms On internal governance, the Senate announced plans to standardize salaries for central administration and personal staffers. The Secretary of the Senate has been mandated to work with the Civil Service Agency to conduct personnel and credential evaluations in collaboration with the Committee on Rules, Order and Administration.

Senate leadership called on the Staffers Association and departmental directors to fully cooperate with the process, which is expected to be completed ahead of the next national budget cycle. Capitol Building Renovation Regarding infrastructure, the Senate confirmed that the Government of China remains committed to renovating the Joint Chambers and the old Capitol Building.

 The Committees on Rules, Order and Administration and Modernization have been instructed to work with corresponding House committees and the Ministry of Public Works to complete a feasibility study, with both the Senate President Pro Tempore and the Speaker of the House to be consulted throughout the process. Audit Progress and Policy Reforms.

 The Senate also reported progress on implementing recommendations from the General Auditing Commission (GAC), which conducted a full systems review beginning in February 2024. Out of 174 recommendations, 25 have been fully implemented and nine partially implemented, with several others completed in draft form pending plenary validation.

Draft corrective policy documents covering human resources, financial management, and organizational reforms were submitted, including policies on performance management, compensation and benefits, asset management, and a five-year Senate Strategic Plan (2025–2029).

As the Third Session begins, the Senate outlined its priorities to include launching the Strategic Plan, validating and operationalizing HR and financial policies, finalizing a compensation framework, and institutionalizing operational manuals.

In accordance with the Constitution of Liberia and the Senate’s standing rules, the leadership formally declared the Third Session of the 55th Senate of the Republic of Liberia open.