By: Melvin Flomo
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Monrovia, Liberia – April 12, 2026 — Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon is urging the Unity Party-led government to demonstrate strong political will in addressing deep-rooted challenges within Liberia’s concession sector, warning that continued delays could undermine national development and limit opportunities for Liberians.
In a series of public statements posted on his official social media platform, Senator Dillon who remains a supporter of the current administration stressed that the government must now confront long-standing concerns he and others have consistently raised across successive administrations.
He emphasized that the time has come for the state to “take the bull by the horns,” calling for urgent reforms aimed at strengthening concession governance and ensuring that agreements deliver equitable benefits to Liberians.
Concerns Over Employment Practices
At the center of Dillon’s remarks is what he described as the increasing exclusion of Liberians from employment opportunities within major concession companies operating in the country.
He specifically referenced operations linked to Bea Mountain Mining Corporation, alleging that foreign nationals are being hired across a wide range of skilled and semi-skilled roles—including carpentry, electrical work, nursing, driving, accounting, and plumbing—positions he insists qualified Liberians are capable of filling.
“This trend deprives thousands of our competent citizens of opportunities that were intended for them under these concession agreements,” Dillon said.
He further pointed to the role of the Ministry of Labour Liberia, suggesting that the issuance of work permits has, in some cases, prioritized revenue generation over local job protection, enabling foreign employment in roles that could otherwise be performed by Liberians.
Pushback and Political Interpretation
Senator Dillon also noted that efforts to raise these concerns are often met with political resistance and mischaracterization.
“When we speak up, we are branded as being ‘anti’ a particular county,” he said. “How advocating for jobs for Liberians across all backgrounds translates into that accusation is something only God understands.”
Revisiting the 2023 Concession Vote
The senator revisited legislative developments in 2023, recalling that he, along with Senators Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Sogbie, and Zargo, voted against the proposed 25-year extension of the Bea Mountain concession agreement.
He explained that their opposition was rooted in concerns that are now re-emerging in public discourse, including alleged failures by concession operators to fully meet their social and development obligations.
Among the issues raised, Dillon highlighted what he described as the neglect of modern medical facilities for workers and surrounding communities in concession areas, calling the situation “alarming and unacceptable.”
“At the time, we were labeled enemies of the state for asking the hard questions,” he said. “But today, we have the authority and responsibility to correct these wrongs.”
Call for National Interest Reforms
Senator Dillon concluded by urging the government to act decisively in the national interest, emphasizing that reforms must be anchored in fairness, accountability, and inclusivity.
“We must summon the courage and political will, without fear or favor, to fix these issues for our country and our people,” he stated.
The remarks add to growing public debate over concession management in Liberia, particularly regarding local employment, compliance with agreements, and equitable resource distribution.
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