The Budget Delay: President Barrow’s Plan for a 100% Salary Increase for Civil Servants – Hamat NK Bah 

Hamat NK Bah, Minister of local government, lands and religious affairs

By Fatou Sillah 

On the second day of the Meet the People tour, Hamat NK Bah, the Minister of Local Government, Lands, and Religious Affairs, addressed the people of the Lower and Central Badibou constituencies. He explained that the presentation of the 2025 national budget had been delayed due to President Adama Barrow’s decision to implement a 100% salary increase for civil servants, a move that led to disagreements among officials.

“President Barrow is deeply grateful to civil servants and wanted to show his support by increasing their salaries this year. He was the first president to implement a 50% salary increase since independence, and although the IMF objected to a further 50% increase, he managed to secure a 30% raise. Now, he wants to increase civil servants’ salaries by 100% because he believes everyone working for him should receive a decent salary to support their families,” Hamat NK Bah said. 

The Minister acknowledged that the president’s proposal had caused significant controversy but emphasized that President Barrow remained firm in his decision. 

“There was a lot of noise, even reaching as far as Washington, but the president made it clear that there is no turning back. Some civil servants will be pleased when they hear about their salary increases. While I can’t reveal specifics, the Minister of Finance will announce the details in his budget speech. President Barrow recognizes the hard work of civil servants, though some remain opposed to his efforts. Those individuals should not be allowed to tarnish the reputation of the entire civil service,” Hamat NK Bah explained.

He urged civil servants to remain focused on working in the best interest of the Gambian people.

“I urge all civil servants to work harder. When we work for the country, we are not doing it for the president or for me, but for the future of this nation. We will eventually leave, but the impact of our work will be felt by future generations, and our children will benefit from it,” he said.