Liberia: House Summons Epa, Ndma, Agriculture Ministry Over El Niño Heat

What the report says

Liberia’s House of Representatives has summoned the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Disaster Management Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture to brief lawmakers on preparations for an expected El Niño-driven heat and dry season. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19, in Monrovia, according to the report from The Liberian Investigator distributed by AllAfrica. Lawmakers want details on how the government plans to protect farmers, food supplies and public health as the dry season begins.

The move followed concerns raised in plenary by Rep. Taa Z. Wongbe of Nimba County District 9, who warned that the country could face serious pressure on food availability and the economy if it does not respond early. He argued that higher import costs could make staple goods more expensive if regional supplies tighten. The Agriculture Ministry is expected to explain its farmer-protection measures, while the NDMA will address disaster preparedness and response. The EPA has been asked to bring Liberia’s national carbon footprint data.

The article places the summons against a broader climate warning. U.S. forecasters at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center said El Niño was strengthening, while the World Meteorological Organization expects it to persist into early 2027. The report also cites local experts and regional agencies who have warned that El Niño can disrupt rainfall patterns, water supplies and agricultural planning in West Africa. The significance for Liberia is the risk that a hotter, drier season could strain farming communities, public services and food prices.