By : P Uriah Suah suahuriah86@gmail.com
Ganta, Nimba County – The Chief Executive Officer of Ma. Queen ADM Inc., Andolis David Menlor, is calling on the Government of Liberia to prioritize local businesses in Nimba County for contracts awarded by ArcelorMittal Liberia under the company’s Mineral Development Agreement (MDA). Menlor described his plea as an “SOS call” aimed at empowering Nimba-based businesses and reducing unemployment in the county.
In a passionate appeal, Menlor acknowledged the government’s support in the areas of security and development but stressed the need for deliberate economic inclusion of local businesses in major concession operations, particularly ArcelorMittal, which is operating in Nimba.
“We are the citizens of Nimba. We are also the business tycoons of this county. We deserve to benefit from the resources in our backyard,” Menlor emphasized.
He explained that Nimba-based businesses have long played a role in creating employment and contributing to government revenue through taxes and social security payments.
However, he lamented that these same businesses are often sidelined when it comes to awarding contracts related to major concessions. Using the example of AFCON’s recent construction activities, Menlor noted that although some initial supplies like cement were sourced locally, procurement eventually shifted away from local vendors.
He said this trend is detrimental to the local economy and urged the government to change course.
“We have the capacity. We are not asking for handouts. Give us the opportunity, and we will go to the banks, get loans, and execute the contracts,” he added.
Menlor said businesses in Nimba like God’s Willing Inc., Jungle Water Group of Investments, and others have already been empowering young people by offering employment, despite not receiving support from major concession contracts.
He stressed that providing contracts to these businesses would create a ripple effect in the local economy and reduce crime and unrest.
“If the youth are employed, there will be fewer protests, fewer thefts of Mittal properties, and a more peaceful environment overall. We want jobs. We want to work,” Menlor declared.
The local businessman proposed that sections of infrastructure projects—such as the railroad from Buchanan to Yekepa—be contracted in segments to local businesses from the respective counties they pass through.
“From Buchanan to Bong, give it to citizens of Buchanan. From Bong to Nimba, let Nimba businesses handle it. That way, each affected community benefits,” he explained.
Menlor further argued that local companies have the tax clearances and the necessary documents to meet bidding requirements. What they lack, he said, is access to the contract opportunities themselves.
He urged the government to restrict bidding opportunities for Nimba-specific projects to the Superintendent of Nimba County to ensure that local businesses can access and benefit from them directly.
“We are already paying taxes. Besides Montserrado, Nimba is leading in tax contribution. Why should we be left behind in benefiting from our own natural resources?”
Menlor questioned.He concluded by reiterating that local empowerment through contractual opportunities is not just a matter of economics but also of national security and social development.
“We are doing our part to help the youth. Just visit the business community in Ganta—you’ll see that we employ a cross-section of citizens. If given contracts, we can hire even more and reduce the burden on the government,” he said.
Menlor’s message comes at a time when the Liberian government is preparing to renegotiate or sign amendments to ArcelorMittal’s Mineral Development Agreement. His call represents a sentiment among local business stakeholders who believe that resource-rich counties like Nimba should see tangible economic benefits from concession agreements.
