By: Moses Gwee Jr
Nimba County Senator Nyan D. Tweyan has issued a pointed warning to ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), cautioning that failure to meet the demands of the Nimba Legislative Caucus could lead to strong opposition against the company's contract renewal. The senator's remarks were made public in a Facebook post following President Joseph Boakai’s recent inauguration of AML’s $1.4 billion concentrator plant in Tokadeh, Nimba County.
Senator Tweyan expressed serious concerns about the disparity between AML’s sizable investment in Liberia’s mining sector and the deteriorating living conditions in surrounding communities. Citing Yekepa as a case in point, he lamented the town’s unkempt state and the poor condition of roads leading to and around the mining facility. Tweyan described the muddy and dilapidated roads as “shameful,” calling into question the tangible benefits of AML’s presence in the region.
The senator underscored that the patience of the Nimba people is wearing thin. He warned that unless the company takes concrete steps to meet the Caucus’s conditions, resistance from local stakeholders should be expected. His comments reflect growing frustration among residents who feel sidelined in the wake of multi-billion-dollar foreign investments that appear to bypass local development needs.
Although the newly commissioned concentrator plant is projected to generate over 6,000 jobs and revitalize Liberia’s mining industry, Senator Tweyan stressed that economic promises must be matched by genuine efforts to uplift host communities. He emphasized that any renewed partnership with AML must include commitments to infrastructure development, environmental safeguards, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The senator’s firm stance marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue between AML and the Nimba Caucus. It remains unclear how the company will respond to these demands, but the outcome will be closely watched by residents, who are eager to see improvements in public services and living standards as a result of mining activities.
The situation in Nimba underscores the broader challenges of balancing foreign investment with community welfare. As mining continues to play a critical role in Liberia’s economic strategy, Senator Tweyan’s remarks serve as a reminder that local engagement, equitable resource distribution, and transparent accountability are essential for sustainable development.
