In a significant move towards enhancing local governance and accessibility to essential services, the Government of Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to decentralization through the support of County Service Centers. Internal Affairs Minister Francis Nyumalin highlighted this initiative during the orientation of County Service Center Coordinators and data managers from the Liberia Institute for Statistics and Geo-information Services (LISGIS) held in Gbarnga, Bong County.

Minister Nyumalin emphasized that the current administration is dedicated to creating a governance system that is more localized and responsive to the needs and aspirations of all citizens, regardless of their geographical location. He stated, “Decentralization holds the greatest potential for accelerating development,” and described the County Service Centers as vital “one-stop shops” that represent a practical step towards fiscal decentralization.

The fifteen County Service Centers across Liberia are designed to bring essential government services closer to local communities. Minister Nyumalin outlined key services that will be available at these centers, including the issuance of birth and marriage certificates, work permits, and business registrations. This initiative aims to streamline access to important documentation and facilitate smoother interactions between citizens and government.

In his remarks, Minister Nyumalin also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the United Nations, civil society organizations, and government entities such as the Ministries of Finance and Transport, as well as the Civil Service Agency. Their support was instrumental in recruiting the coordinators for the County Service Centers for the first time since their establishment in 2015.

As part of this decentralization effort, Minister Nyumalin encouraged the newly appointed County Service Center Coordinators to strive for excellence in delivering basic government services at the county level, reinforcing the government’s commitment to bringing services closer to the people. The Ministry of Internal Affairs remains focused on fostering an inclusive and effective governance framework that empowers citizens and enhances service delivery throughout Liberia.