Liberia’s Pension Controversy: Benefits, Disparities, and Allegations of Politicization
- Michael T
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
Liberia’s pension system comprises two distinct frameworks: the Executive Law, which provides benefits for former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Chief Justices, and Associate Justices, and the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) law, which applies to all civil servants, including elected officials who contribute during their tenure or years of service. Recent concerns raised by former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor have brought to light issues surrounding the implementation of these laws and allegations of politicization by the current administration.
The Executive Law entitles former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Chief Justices, and Associate Justices to 50% of their last monthly salary as an annual pension, paid in equal monthly installments for life. These pensions are non-contributory, meaning beneficiaries do not pay into a fund during their tenure. For example, a former Vice President earning $20,000 monthly would receive $10,000 annually, distributed as $833.33 per month. Similarly, a former President earning $25,000 monthly would receive $12,500 annually, distributed as $1,041.67 per month. These provisions aim to ensure financial security post-retirement.
In addition to pensions, retired officials enjoy privileges such as personal staff to assist them in their private lives, security services provided by police officers or executive protection teams to ensure their safety, and logistical support that includes vehicles and allowances as part of their retirement package. These privileges are intended to maintain dignity and status for former officials but have allegedly been inconsistently applied by the current Liberian administration.
Under NASSCORP law, all civil servants—including elected officials—are eligible for contributory pensions at age 60 based on accumulated contributions during service. Employees with at least 100 contributions (approximately eight years) receive 25% of the average of their five highest wages as monthly payments. With more contributions (e.g., 180+), benefits increase up to a maximum of 40%. Presidents, Vice Presidents, and Justices who contributed during their tenure can claim additional benefits under this framework alongside their Executive Law pensions.
A unique feature of Liberia’s pension system is that former Presidents, Vice Presidents, and Justices can benefit from both frameworks: under the Executive Law, they receive 50% of their last salary as an annual pension, and under NASSCORP, they may receive contributory pensions based on their contributions during service. For instance, a former Vice President earning $20,000 monthly could receive $10,000 annually under the Executive Law (paid monthly at $833.33) plus additional payments from NASSCORP (e.g., 25% or more based on contributions).
According to credible sources, former Vice President Joseph Boakai received all his entitlements under President George Weah’s administration, including vehicles and extra allowances provided at the president's discretion. Similarly, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was treated respectfully and provided benefits after leaving office in 2018. These precedents contrast sharply with Jewel Howard Taylor’s experience under the current administration.
Former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor has publicly expressed her disappointment with the Unity Party-led government under President Joseph Boakai. She claimed that she has not received any of her legally entitled benefits since leaving office in January 2024. She also stated that no state vehicle or security detail was provided upon her departure and that during President Boakai’s inauguration on January 22, 2024, she was left stranded at the Executive Mansion without transportation. Taylor stated she has written to the government multiple times seeking a resolution but has not received a response.
After Taylor publicly raised these issues on April 6, 2025, the government released a list of check numbers purportedly showing payments to be made to former officials. This move has been criticized as an attempt to politicize the issue rather than addressing legitimate concerns. Critics argue that the government has ignored inquiries from former Vice President Taylor regarding her benefits and that releasing payment records creates a misleading impression that all obligations have been met while many remain unresolved.
Liberia’s pension laws provide substantial benefits under two distinct frameworks: the Executive Law for former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Chief Justices, and Associate Justices and NASSCORP for civil servants who contribute toward their pensions during active service. Former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor’s recent allegations show inconsistencies in implementing these laws and depict concerns about politicization by the current administration following her public remarks. The release of payment records appears more focused on deflecting criticism than resolving legitimate grievances the former vice President raised. Transparency and accountability remain central to restoring trust in Liberia’s pension system amidst mounting scrutiny over governance practices.
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Additional Sources
[1] CBL Takes Step to Institute Insurance Commission and Private ... https://knewsonline.com/cbl-takes-step-to-institute-insurance-commission-and-private-pension-system
[2] JEWEL HOWARD-TAYLOR LAMENTS LACK OF BENEFITS ... https://smartnewsliberia.com/jewel-howard-taylor-laments-lack-of-benefits-under-boakai-administration/
[3] House rejects Senate's pension benefit scheme https://thenewdawnliberia.com/house-rejects-senates-pension-benefit-scheme/
[4] Leaked Documents Show Jewel Howard-Taylor Has Received ... https://verityonlinenews.com/leaked-documents-show-jewel-howard-taylor-has-received-benefits-despite-public-denial/
[5] Liberia: House Rejects Controversial Pension Bill As Senate Recalls ... https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-house-rejects-controversial-pension-bill-as-senate-recalls-own-bill-for-correction/
[6] Gov. of Liberia Reacts to Former Vice Pres. Howard-Taylors ... https://elbcradio.com/2025/04/08/gov-of-liberia-reacts-to-former-vice-pres-howard-taylors-benefits-claims/
[7] Liberia: Government Halts Retirement Process, Neutralizes Possible ... https://frontpageafricaonline.com/opinion/commentary/liberia-government-halts-retirement-process-neutralizes-possible-political-tension/
[8] Left Stranded Under a Tree: Former VP Taylor's Shocking ... https://www.insightsliberia.com/post/left-stranded-under-a-tree-former-vp-taylor-s-shocking-inauguration-day-ordeal
[9] GOL'S 2025 NATIONAL BUDGET EXPOSES GROWING WASTE ... https://smartnewsliberia.com/gols-2025-national-budget-exposes-growing-waste-and-political-greed/
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