Joseph-Boakai
President Joseph Boakai has called on Liberians to focus on harnessing the country’s abundant natural resources to build a stronger and more self-reliant economy, rather than depending heavily on money sent by relatives living abroad.
Speaking on his return from an official trip to the United States, President Boakai expressed concern that the nation’s increasing reliance on remittances undermines the drive toward sustainable national development.
He noted that while funds from the diaspora have supported families, they are not a substitute for building a productive economy based on local opportunities and resources.
“Even the US$50 you receive may have been earned under tough conditions,” the President said, emphasizing that many Liberians abroad work under difficult circumstances just to send small amounts home—contributions that are sometimes underappreciated.
He urged citizens to channel their energy into developing Liberia’s natural resource base—spanning agriculture, forestry, mining, and fisheries—as the foundation for long-term prosperity.
“Liberia has enough natural resources to build a prosperous future together. We cannot keep depending on migration and remittances when the wealth of our nation lies beneath our feet and in our hands,” Boakai stated.
The President’s remarks come as his administration rolls out measures to attract responsible investment in resource sectors and promote value addition through local participation.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to transparency, sustainable resource management, and economic diversification to ensure Liberians benefit fully from their country’s natural endowments.
“Liberia’s progress must come from within—from the strength of our people and the wealth of our land,” Boakai concluded.
