MIA Boss Chairs NCC ….Chiefs Urge Local Elections, Unity

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. F. Sakila Nyumalin Sr., convened and chaired the Third Quarterly Sitting of the National Council of Chiefs (NCC) on Thursday, in accordance with the Local Government Act of 2018.

The meeting focused on reviewing the Council’s achievements and activities over the past year and discussing strategies to strengthen traditional governance across Liberia.

During the session, chiefs called on the national government, through Minister Nyumalin, to secure support from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for the conduct of local chieftaincy elections nationwide.

Chiefs emphasized that such elections would reinforce traditional leadership structures and enhance their role in local governance.

The chiefs also urged the Legislature to establish mechanisms to regulate trucking during electoral processes, citing the need to ensure transparency, reduce malpractice, and safeguard electoral integrity.

Another key recommendation was the convening of a National Peace and Reconciliation Conference to foster unity and cohesion across the country, an initiative aimed at strengthening social harmony and national stability.

Minister Nyumalin informed the chiefs that a joint team from the Civil Service Agency (CSA) and partners will soon commence a verification and credentials exercise in the counties. Upon completion, chiefs not yet on the payroll will begin receiving salaries in accordance with CSA standards.

“I have already met with the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, and I made it clear that we must dignify our chiefs by ensuring they receive their due entitlements,” Minister Nyumalin stated during the session.

As part of the government’s commitment to bolstering traditional governance, Minister Nyumalin disclosed that the National Government has approved renovations to the NCC headquarters at Camp Johnson Road and McDonald Street in Monrovia, planned for fiscal year 2026.

The Minister also revealed plans to organize a National Assembly of Chiefs, to be chaired by President Boakai, which will provide a platform for direct engagement between the President and traditional leaders.

Chiefs will have the opportunity to make meaningful recommendations for the smooth governance of their respective chiefdoms and the nation.

The National Assembly of Chiefs is expected to conclude its session with resolutions to be submitted to the President for necessary action, ensuring that the voices of traditional leaders are integrated into national policy and decision-making processes.

Minister Nyumalin confirmed that the next sitting of the NCC is anticipated in December 2025, holding all factors constant, to continue reviewing progress and implementing agreed actions.

The meeting was attended by National Council of Chiefs Chairpersons from all 15 counties, reflecting a unified commitment to advancing Liberia’s traditional governance system.

Speaking on behalf of the paramount chiefs, Paramount Chief Nelson Neon of Maryland County expressed gratitude to President Boakai for his continuous leadership and dedication to national development.

Chief Neon reaffirmed the chiefs’ full support for the government’s development agenda, emphasizing their commitment to collaborate with the national government in advancing sustainable development in their communities.

The quarterly meeting underscored the importance of traditional governance as a cornerstone for national development, social cohesion, and participatory leadership at the local level.

By prioritizing local elections, salary verification, and engagement platforms, the Ministry of Internal Affairs aims to strengthen the dignity, accountability, and functionality of chiefs across Liberia, ensuring that traditional structures contribute meaningfully to the country’s governance and development efforts.

The NCC sitting concluded with renewed pledges of collaboration between traditional leaders and the government, signaling a robust partnership in implementing policies that impact rural communities and fostering a more inclusive approach to national governance.