Liberian Fiscal Experts Undergo Strategic Training in Nigeria toBoost Decentralization

By: Akoi M. Baysah,  Jr.

A delegation of senior Liberian fiscal officials has commenced a weeklong
training in Ibadan, Nigeria, focused on enhancing the country’s
decentralization agenda

The program, running from May 19 to 26, is being hosted by the University of
Ibadan and centers on fiscal
decentralization and local government financial management.

Leading the delegation is Hon.
Anthony G. Myers, Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs at
Liberia’s Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP).

 In his opening remarks, Hon. Myers
stressed that fiscal autonomy is essential for effective decentralization.

 “Administrative decentralization
without fiscal empowerment is perfunctory,” he said, reiterating President Joseph Boakai’s strong
commitment to decentralization as a cornerstone of Liberia’s development
strategy.

Hon. Myers noted the institutional preparedness of key agencies like the Liberia Revenue Authority and the Internal Audit Agency, but pointed
out the urgent need to replicate this capacity at the local government level.
He urged participants to serve as knowledge multipliers upon their return,
signaling a broader national rollout of fiscal reforms.

Describing the training as a “strategic
step” toward long-term institutional reform, he framed the
initiative within the context of South-South
cooperation and Liberia’s commitment to sustainable public financial management.

Delivering keynote remarks, Prof.
P.O. Olapegba, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan,
challenged African nations to break free from dependency on foreign aid.
Criticizing what he termed a “begging culture” among African leaders,
he remarked.

 “There is no free lunch—even in
Freetown.” He warned that aid dependency undermines national sovereignty
and limits policy innovation.

Prof. Olapegba further urged African governments to invest in systems that retain local talent and to question
the over-reliance on Western institutions for capacity-building.

“Harvard and Oxford won’t solve African problems—we must,” he
asserted, calling for continental
unity and indigenous solutions to Africa’s challenges.

This training marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s efforts to
implement fiscal decentralization,
a key pillar of its national development agenda. It aims to strengthen local
governance, enhance service delivery, and ensure equitable distribution of
resources across the country.