Urges Critics To Understand Salary Structure.
Monrovia, Libera – Finance and Development Planning Minister, Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s unwavering commitment to the enforcement of the national minimum wage within the central government.
The Minister’s remarks come in response to public claims suggesting that some civil servants are earning below the legally mandated threshold of USD 150 per month.
Addressing the issue during a media engagement on Thursday in Monrovia, Minister Ngafuan firmly stated: “During the national budget formulation process, the President gave a clear directive — and the budget was adjusted accordingly — to ensure that no employee of the central government earns below the minimum wage of USD 150. I am pleased to confirm that this commitment has been fully implemented.”
The Decent Work Act, which governs labor standards across the Republic, mandates a minimum monthly wage of USD 150 for all workers, both in the public and private sectors.
While the Ministry of Labor is tasked with monitoring compliance in the private sector, the MFDP has taken full responsibility for ensuring that central government payrolls align with the law.
Minister Ngafuan clarified that reports of civil servants receiving less than USD 150 stem from confusion between gross and net pay, noting that deductions like taxes, social security, and loan repayments—often personal or statutory—do not violate the minimum wage law.
He further clarified that government salaries are disbursed in a dual-currency structure—70% in U.S. dollars and 30% in Liberian dollars.
This arrangement, coupled with individual financial obligations, may impact the final take-home amount, but does not alter the official salary structure.
Recognizing the need for broader public understanding of these financial processes, Minister Ngafuan emphasized the importance of enhanced public education on matters of compensation and budgeting.
“We acknowledge that more must be done to improve public financial literacy. A well-informed public is essential for transparency and accountability, and we are committed to open communication,” he said.
Minister Ngafuan encouraged all government employees with questions or concerns regarding their pay to seek clarification through the appropriate administrative channels.
