By Lincoln G. Peters
CAPITOL HILL, October 14, 2026 – Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence has disclosed that a special legislative committee is investigating allegations of petroleum revenues collected but not deposited into the government’s consolidated account.
Speaking Tuesday, October 13, during the Senate’s resumption of legislative activities, Karnga-Lawrence said the investigation covers outstanding petroleum revenues from previous years and current collections allegedly withheld from the government’s central account.
She announced that the committee is expected to present its findings to Senate plenary on Thursday, October 15, along with recommendations for legislative action.
According to the Senate leader, a review of petroleum revenue collections revealed possible irregularities despite increased revenue generated through adjustments to the petroleum pricing structure.
She disclosed that Senate intervention led the Executive to revise petroleum pricing, allocating two cents and nine cents per gallon of petroleum products to social programs and county equipment support, respectively.
The adjustments were projected to generate approximately US$16 million annually.
Citing a Liberia Revenue Authority report covering January to June 2026, Karnga-Lawrence said US$8.4 million was collected, including US$1.7 million for social programs and US$6.7 million for county equipment support.
She further disclosed that the Road Fund generated US$24 million during the first six months of 2026, describing the collection as unprecedented.
However, she raised concerns that some petroleum revenues collected in previous years and certain current taxes had reportedly not been deposited into the consolidated account.
The Senate Pro-Temp said the special committee would establish the facts and recommend measures to strengthen accountability.
She also directed the Senate Committee on Public Works to collaborate with relevant committees in examining the use of Road Fund resources to ensure compliance with the law.
Meanwhile, Karnga-Lawrence reported significant legislative activities during the third segment of the Senate’s third session.
According to her, the Senate recorded 47 sittings, comprising 41 regular sittings, five special sittings and one emergency sitting.
She said the chamber received more than 155 communications and acted on 60 committee reports.
Of 62 nominees received, 56 were confirmed, while the Senate recorded 33 legislative measures passed, including 12 ratifications, 10 amendments and 11 enactments.
She further disclosed that 113 bills remain in committee rooms, with the Judiciary Committee handling the largest number because of their legal implications.
Karnga-Lawrence urged the Judiciary Committee to organize a retreat to accelerate work on pending legislation.
On electricity, she mandated the Senate Committee on Hydrocarbon and Energy to begin hearings with the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) on measures to improve the reliability of electricity supply nationwide.
The Senate leader emphasized that legislative oversight would remain focused on revenue accountability, infrastructure development and improved public service delivery.
The special committee’s findings on the alleged unremitted petroleum revenues had not been presented at the time of her remarks.
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