By: Melvin Flomo
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Nimba County Senator Hon. Nya D. Twayen, Jr. has formally requested the Liberian Senate to summon key government institutions responsible for concession oversight to provide a comprehensive update on the implementation of the recently ratified Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) between the Government of Liberia and ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML).
In a communication addressed to Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Senator Twayen called for the appearance of the Inter-Ministerial Concessions Committee (IMCC), the National Investment Commission (NIC), and the Bureau of Concessions before a Joint Committee Hearing comprising the Senate Committees on Concessions and Investment, and Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims and Petitions.
Concern Over Implementation of Key Commitments
Senator Twayen emphasized that the request is intended to strengthen legislative oversight and ensure that commitments contained in the ratified agreement are being implemented in accordance with agreed timelines.
According to the Nimba County lawmaker, one of the major obligations contained in the MDA requires ArcelorMittal Liberia to submit a comprehensive Social Infrastructure Development Plan for the affected counties of Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa within three months following the ratification and signing of the agreement.
He noted that the MDA was ratified in January and subsequently signed and printed into handbill on February 9, 2026, making it approximately four months since the agreement entered into force.
"The Senate should be informed whether this critical obligation has been fulfilled and, if so, the contents, implementation timeline, scope, and financing arrangements of the proposed development plan," Senator Twayen stated.
Road Infrastructure and Community Development Projects Under Scrutiny
The communication further seeks updates on several major infrastructure and social development commitments undertaken by AML under the agreement.
Among the projects Senator Twayen wants reviewed is the long-anticipated pavement of the Sehyikimpa–Yekepa Road, along with other related infrastructure commitments promised under the concession agreement.
He also called for detailed information regarding the construction, rehabilitation, and renovation of housing facilities in Yekepa and surrounding concession communities, as well as progress made toward improving living conditions for residents within AML's operational areas.
Focus on Education and Health Investments
The Nimba County Senator additionally requested status reports on commitments relating to the education and health sectors.
These include the construction, renovation, equipping, and operationalization of schools across concession-affected counties, as well as the rehabilitation and modernization of healthcare facilities intended to serve communities impacted by mining operations.
According to the communication, lawmakers should also receive updates on all social development projects and community obligations undertaken by AML through the MDA and related commitment instruments.
Senate's Oversight Responsibility
Senator Twayen stressed that the Legislature's role extends beyond ratifying concession agreements and includes ensuring that commitments made on behalf of the Liberian people are fully implemented.
He cautioned against a recurrence of situations where concession agreements are ratified with significant public expectations but suffer from delays, inadequate implementation, or weak monitoring mechanisms.
"Effective legislative oversight requires regular engagement with implementing institutions and concessionaires to ensure compliance with contractual obligations," the Senator asserted.
Call for Immediate Action
The communication concludes with a call for urgent Senate action, arguing that periodic oversight hearings are necessary to guarantee that communities directly affected by concession operations receive the promised benefits.
If approved, the hearing would provide lawmakers with an opportunity to assess the compliance status of ArcelorMittal Liberia and relevant government agencies while ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of one of Liberia's most significant concession agreements.
Senator Twayen expressed confidence that the Senate will give the matter prompt attention in fulfillment of its constitutional oversight mandate and commitment to safeguarding the interests of the Liberian people.
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