Yekepa, Nimba County — ArcelorMittal Liberia has graduated and certified security personnel following the successful completion of a specialized security training program facilitated by the Liberia National Police Academy and Training School (LNPATS), marking another milestone in the company’s continued investment in building the capacity of Liberian employees.
The official graduation and certification ceremony, held at the AML Training Academy in Yekepa, Nimba County, brought together AML management, senior officials of the Liberia National Police (LNP), security professionals, and graduates who completed more than three months of intensive training focused on strengthening leadership, supervisory competence, accountability, and operational effectiveness.
The training formed part of AML’s broader commitment to developing local talent and strengthening professional standards, consistent with commitments made during discussions surrounding the company’s Phase Two Expansion Agreement.
Providing an overview of the program, AML Superintendent for Security Services and Compliance, Vivian Barbour, said the training was designed to enhance the capacity of the company’s security team through specialized programs aimed at improving leadership and operational readiness.
Barbour said the training covered “dedication of duty and accountability, communication, and management control,” with the goal of building “a responsive, composed, and disciplined security force aligned with AML’s safety and compliance objectives.”
Liberia National Police Inspector General Col. Gregory Coleman, serving as keynote speaker, praised the partnership between AML and the LNP.
“It is an honor to join you this evening as we celebrate the successful completion of this Security Training and Recognition Program,” Coleman said. “Today, we recognize more than the completion of a training program; we affirm a shared commitment to professionalism, safety, partnership, and national development.”
He congratulated the graduates, saying their completion reflected “a willingness to grow professionally and to contribute meaningfully to the safety of your organization, your communities, and our country.”
Coleman highlighted AML’s role in Liberia’s economy, noting that through investments, employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and community engagement initiatives, the company continues to contribute to national growth.
“ArcelorMittal Liberia occupies a strategic place within our national economy,” he said.
He emphasized that protecting strategic investments is a shared responsibility.
“The protection of such strategic investments is not solely the responsibility of ArcelorMittal Liberia. It is a national responsibility shared by government institutions, security agencies, local communities, and all stakeholders who have a vested interest in the continued development of our country,” Coleman stated.
Speaking on Liberia’s investment climate, Coleman said: “For Liberia to be truly open for business, investors must have confidence. For confidence to take root, communities must be peaceful. And for development to endure, security must be reliable.”
He encouraged graduates to apply their training with “integrity, discipline, vigilance, professionalism, respect for the rule of law, and respect for the rights of all persons.”
AML Chief Executive Officer praised the graduates and recognized their commitment throughout the program.
“I am very, very proud to see so many young men and women here taking up the stars, being proud of being trained up, being able to further themselves into their careers,” the CEO said.
He congratulated participants for successfully completing the training and praised their professionalism.
The AML CEO also recalled advice from Inspector General Coleman on the importance of community engagement.
“He said to me, don’t call me to come and protect your things if you don’t put in effort to look after the communities. That’s where the first protection starts,” he said.
He added that AML remains committed to ensuring employees and contractors understand their role in supporting Liberia’s development.
“We want our employees, everyone, and the contractors who work for us, to be true patriots. We want you to love your country. We also want you to love the company, because that goes hand in hand,” he stated.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants, recognizing their successful completion of the specialized security training program.
The initiative reflects AML’s continued investment in Liberian talent development, professional growth, and capacity building, while reinforcing the company’s commitment to creating a skilled workforce capable of supporting safe, responsible, and sustainable operations in Liberia.
