In 2018, Liberia marked a pivotal moment in its governance history with the passage of the Local Government Act (LGA). Naymote, a dynamic institution deeply committed to the nation’s progress, embraced the opportunity to actively engage in the decentralization process that followed.
Across Margibi, Bong, Grand Bassa, Lofa, and Nimba counties, Naymote spearheaded an extensive campaign, conducting 36 town hall meetings. Traditional leaders, local government officials, health and school administrators, as well as representatives from youth and women groups, gathered to unravel the intricacies of the LGA. These sessions, attended by 1,800 local stakeholders, served as platforms for illuminating discussions on the act’s mandates, the emergence of County Councils, and the potential benefits for communities. To enhance understanding, Naymote produced 1,000 copies of a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions document and 500 booklets specifically focused on the LGA. These resources became invaluable tools, distributed strategically during town hall meetings to empower citizens with knowledge and garner their support.
Jefferson Gbaryan, the Bong County Service Center Coordinator, shared insights at one of these events. He acknowledged the significant contribution the service centres made to national revenue but pointed to challenges. These included poor coordination between government entities, limited budgetary support, and suboptimal service delivery, leading citizens to incur additional costs. Despite challenges, Service Centers across the nation positively impacted service delivery, social cohesion, and resource mobilization, having served over 800,000 citizens. Naymote recognised the need for collaboration with civil society to hold the government accountable, leading to a pivotal moment on July 14, 2022. The Revenue Sharing Bill, endorsed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, empowering sub-national structures to collect and retain portions of revenues generated at county level. This is a key milestone for Liberia as the country’s path to sustained development must include improved delivery of services to people at the local level – in their districts and communities.
Simultaneously, the government established County Councils, a nine-member body with significant powers. Comprising representatives from Chiefs, Women’s groups, Civil Society, youth groups, and People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), this council marked a new era in local governance. Naymote, having played a crucial role in advocacy and awareness, now looks ahead to ensuring the full implementation of these structures, emphasizing accountability, transparency, and value for money.
In Bong County, Naymote took a proactive step by establishing the County Accountability and Advocacy Team (CAAT). This team focuses on raising awareness about the management of the County Social Development Funds (CSDF) and actively collects citizens’ feedback on the effectiveness of services at the County Service Center. As we reflect on Naymote’s journey in this decentralization narrative, it becomes clear that the institution’s unwavering commitment to empowering communities has been instrumental in shaping Liberia’s path towards local governance and developmen
