By P. Vangerline Kpotoe

MONROVIA, July 15(LINA) – The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), through its Fiscal Decentralization Unit, and in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), has climaxed a training on the Revenue Sharing Law and Validation for local county Superintendents.

According to a statement from the Ministry dated July 13, 2024, the workshop was held from July 10-13, in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, aimed at strengthening the capacities of local government leaders to effectively manage and allocate financial resources per the Revenue Sharing Act.

The released noted that the training comes as a direct response to a directive from President Joseph N. 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, the Deputy Minister for Operations at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Hon. Selena Mappy, stated that the training is intended to prepare Superintendents for what she termed as “bigger tasks head.”

Hon. 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 emphasized that the revenue-sharing law gives many responsibilities to superintendents and local government officials.

She went on to thank the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and the UNDP for the “prompt” planning of the training and validation workshop. 

In earlier remarks, Nimba County Superintendent Hon. Meapeh Kou Gono provided a historical narrative of important events that have taken place in the county.

She 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.

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, amongst others.

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.