The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has officially launched a new digital platform aimed at increasing transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in fisheries governance.
The platform, known as the Fisheries Information Management System (FIMS), was unveiled Friday during a ceremony in Monrovia under the theme “Digitalizing Fisheries Governance: Enhancing Transparency, Efficiency, and Sustainability.”
FIMS, developed with technical and financial support from the World Bank through the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project, marks a significant step forward in Liberia’s efforts to digitize public services.
It enables users across the country to apply for permits, track data in real-time, and make secure payments online, all without the need for in-person visits to NaFAA offices.
A Shift towards Transparency and Revenue Protection
Speaking at the launch, Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority, James Dorbor Jallah, hailed the system as a game-changer in the fight against corruption and revenue loss.
He emphasized that for years, manual processes and inadequate data systems have weakened the sector’s ability to generate revenue and enforce compliance.
“FIMS brings a new era of transparency and accountability,” Jallah said. “We must ensure that all relevant agencies integrate this system fully. The success of this platform will depend on interagency cooperation, capacity building, and sustainable funding.”
Faster Services, Wider Reach
NaFAA’s Acting Director General, J. Cyrus Saygbe, Senior, highlighted the system’s immediate impact on operational efficiency. According to him, permit processing times have dropped dramatically, from seven days to just 48 hours for fish import permits, and less than 24 hours for licenses.
“This is not just digitalization, it is transformation,” Saygbe said. “We are eliminating bottlenecks, cutting out middlemen, and making it easier for Liberians, even in remote communities, to access services.”
He noted that NaFAA has already trained representatives in all nine coastal counties to assist local fishermen and stakeholders in using the platform.
Global Support and Local Impact
The launch event was attended by representatives from the World Bank, the European Union, and key players from Liberia’s private sector, signaling broad support for the initiative.
By reducing illegal activities and ensuring that marine resources are managed more effectively, officials believe FIMS will contribute to both conservation efforts and economic growth.
“Liberia is demonstrating that with the right tools and partnerships, we can protect our resources while making them work for our people,” Saygbe concluded.
With FIMS now fully operational, Liberia takes a major step toward a more accountable and sustainable fisheries sector—one that promises long-term benefits for communities, the economy, and the environment alike.
