Monrovia, Liberia – The Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), J. Cyrus Saygbe, Sr., says Liberia’s fisheries sector is undergoing a “historic transformation”one built on transparency, accountability, and modernization in line with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for inclusive national development.
Speaking Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism’s (MICAT) regular press briefing in Monrovia, Mr. Saygbe said the sector’s progress over the past seven months reflects “a story of renewal and resilience.”
“When we took over in March, the NaFAA we met was like an eddoes soup nice and cold on the top but hot and horrible on the bottom,” he said humorously, disclosing that his administration inherited US$3.1 million in liabilities and only US$350,000 in available funds.
Despite those challenges, Mr. Saygbe noted that NaFAA has made significant strides in institutional recovery, staff welfare, and donor engagement. Among the reforms, NaFAA has resumed staff tax and NASSCORP payments, reinstated wrongfully dismissed workers, introduced employee recognition programs, and transitioned contract staff to permanent positions.
He further announced that beginning December 1, 2025, all NaFAA employees and their immediate families will be covered under a medical insurance program, while sea-going observers will receive life insurance coverage. A 32-seater staff bus has also been procured to ease transportation challenges.
On the digital front, Saygbe said NaFAA has successfully activated the Fisheries Information Management System (FIMS), cutting the processing time for fish import permits from three weeks to just 48 hours a breakthrough for transparency and service efficiency.
To strengthen its national presence, NaFAA plans to open its first regional office in Harper, Maryland County, early next year, followed by additional offices in five coastal counties, with support from the European Union and the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF).
Highlighting Liberia’s immense marine potential, Saygbe revealed that the nation’s waters hold over 347,000 metric tons of fish resources, but only 53,000 metric tons are currently harvested annually. To close that gap, NaFAA is introducing semi-industrial fishing vessels, advancing plans for an Integrated Industrial Fish Farm in Nimba County, and implementing a US$26 million fisheries port project to minimize fish landings in neighboring countries.
A major milestone, he said, is the arrival of Liberia’s first semi-industrial fiberglass fishing vessel, “Sea King,” built in Oman with World Bank support. The vessel is expected to be officially commissioned by President Boakai on November 24, 2025, at the Mesurado Pier in Monrovia.
“The arrival of the Sea King marks a historic milestone for Liberia’s fisheries sector a bold step toward industrialization, innovation, and sustainability,” Saygbe stated.
Ahead of World Fisheries Day on November 21, NaFAA will host a week of national events under the theme “Sustaining Fisheries, Securing Livelihoods.” Activities include sports in Robertsport, a university debate and career day, an employee celebration, and a grand finale in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
A “Fish Market Day Exhibition” will follow on November 28, featuring local fishers, processors, and entrepreneurs displaying fish, crab, lobster, and innovative processing technologies.
Looking ahead, Mr. Saygbe disclosed that NaFAA is organizing the National Fisheries Investment Conference (NFIC) in February 2026, to attract domestic and international investors in aquaculture, processing, and export development.
“Our vision is to build a modern, transparent, and inclusive fisheries sector that empowers communities and strengthens Liberia’s blue economy,” Saygbe concluded.
