CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA – Nimba County Senator Nya D. Tweyan Jr. has raised serious concerns over the Concession and Access Agreement (CAA) signed between the Government of Liberia and IVANHOE Liberia Ltd., which seeks to transport iron ore from Guinea through Liberia’s rail and port infrastructure for 25 years. The agreement was formally submitted to the Senate on Thursday, October 23, 2025, for legislative consideration.
Addressing journalists at a press conference at his Capitol Hill office, Senator Nya emphasized the need for fairness, transparency, and benefits to all Liberians, particularly communities affected by the project. “Ladies and gentlemen of the press, my beloved people of Nimba County, who I represent, and the people of Liberia, whose business we are elected to do, it is my duty to ensure that such agreements serve the interests of the people,” he stated.
The Senator highlighted the historical grievances of Nimba residents, whose lands and livelihoods have been affected by decades of environmental degradation, loss of farmland, and displacement without adequate compensation. “It is important to state that the railroad and associated infrastructure pass through the heart of our people’s lands in Nimba. Any agreement that seeks to expand or extend the use of these infrastructures must directly address these historical injustices,” Nya said.
He warned that the days of signing “bad agreements” that undermine the rights and dignity of local communities are over. Nya insisted that any ratified agreement must include clear and binding provisions for community benefits, environmental safeguards, and fair revenue sharing. “The people of Liberia deserve agreements that reflect justice, transparency, and measurable benefits, not vague promises,” he added.
Senator Nya also raised concerns about a reported US$37 million payment made by Ivanhoe to the previous government. “The Liberian people deserve to know what that money was paid for and how it was utilized. Accountability must be the foundation of trust in public governance,” he said, calling for full disclosure.
The Senator cautioned against prematurely including subsequent US$10 million and US$15 million payments in the current draft national budget, which are tied to legislative ratification and asset access. “Doing so would create undue pressure on the Legislature to hastily ratify the agreement without thorough scrutiny. This must not be allowed,” Nya emphasized.
He stressed that the Community Development Fund outlined in the agreement must be explicitly defined, rather than left open-ended or dependent on the concessionaire’s goodwill. “Our people deserve concrete commitments such as schools, clinics, roads, and livelihoods,” the Senator said, noting that previous agreements with companies like ArcelorMittal and Bea Mountain had failed to deliver tangible results.
Senator Nya underlined the importance of environmental protection, particularly safeguarding rivers, farmlands, and local ecosystems. “Proper environmental safeguards must be implemented to ensure that our land and natural resources are preserved for current and future generations,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the potential misuse of the US$37 million, he clarified, “We are not accusing anyone of wrongdoing, but we need to know what that money was for, and whether it was placed in a consolidated account or used appropriately.”
The Senator also called for full transparency in all financial transactions related to the agreement, including tax obligations, royalties, and profit-sharing mechanisms. “Fair revenue sharing is critical to guarantee that Liberia, and especially the affected communities, get a just return on their natural resource endowments,” Nya stressed.
In addition to legislative scrutiny, Senator Nya urged engagement with civil society organizations, experts, and local communities. “We will study every clause of this agreement, assess its fiscal, environmental, and social implications, and engage with all stakeholders to ensure that the interests of the Liberian people come first,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Nya issued a strong call for accountability and due diligence, warning against short-term political gains. “Liberia can no longer afford to enter into agreements that mortgage our future. The time for vague promises and bi-agreements is over. It must be done with due diligence to protect our people and secure a sustainable future for generations to come,” he said.
The press conference ended with the Senator opening the floor for questions, emphasizing that the Senate would not rush the ratification process and that the voices of affected communities must be central to any final decision.
