The Acting Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), J. Cyrus Saygbe, has issued a resounding call for greater collaboration and investment in the fisheries sector.
Saygbe has meanwhile, rallied development partners at the Second Fisheries Development Partners Coordination Group (FDPCG) Meeting.
The Meeting was held at NaFAA’s Headquarters on Bushrod Island, outside Monrovia.
Mr. Saygbe underscored country’s determination to build a world-class fisheries industry through stronger partnerships, enhanced governance and bold reforms.
NaFAA, he said, is looking for deeper areas of collaboration to attract partners’ support.
Saygbe: “Coordination with partners is not just important; it is essential if we are to avoid duplication, align donor support with Liberia’s priorities, and accelerate our national drive to lift the EU yellow card.”
He reaffirmed NaFAA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and reform-driven leadership.
Mr. Saybeg said the country remained focused in its mission to eradicate Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and strengthen the sector contribution to food security, economic growth, and community livelihoods.
Showcasing progress and ambition
The Meeting, according to a release, featured dynamic presentations from NaFAA’s technical experts, who highlighted achievements, and new directions under major projects.
The projects are being identified as Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project (LSMFP), and the Liberia Integrated Fisheries Sector Strengthening Project (IFSSP).
These updates showcased how the new leadership is repositioning the fisheries sector for growth, resilience and global competitiveness.
Development partners voice strong support
The gathering drew an impressive lineup of international partners, including the EU, OPEC Fund, UNDP, World Bank, FAO, JICA, the United States, Sweden and Egypt—all reaffirming supports to Liberia’s fisheries development.
United States: The Economic Assistant at the U.S. Embassy, Blamo B. Nimle, lauded NaFAA’s bold measures to combat IUU fishing, noting that the deployment of the Quarter Master vessel demonstrates transparency and determination similar to models in Senegal and Ghana.
FAO: The FAO delegation expressed keen interest in NaFAA’s decentralization plan, aimed at embedding fisheries staff across Liberia to strengthen coastal oversight. FAO Country Representative, Saeed Abubakar Benie, pledged FAO’s commitment to work closely with NaFAA in rolling out this nationwide initiative.
European Union: As co-chair of the FDPCG, the EU called for a follow-up dialogue with Mr. Saygbe and his team for a deeper dive into key updates, while announcing that the next FDPCG meeting will be hosted by the EU on October 8, 2025.
Strengthening partnerships for national impact
The Fisheries Development Partners Coordination Group continues to serve as a strategic platform for aligning investments, strengthening technical collaboration, and advancing Liberia’s fisheries agenda.
By bringing together government and partners, the FDPCG ensures that international assistance directly translates into job creation, improved food security, and better livelihoods for country’s coastal communities.
Mr. Saygbe reiterated NaFAA’s vision:
“This is more than just about lifting the EU yellow card—it is about building a modern fisheries sector that delivers prosperity for Liberia; empowers our coastal communities and upholds our international commitments. With your continued partnership, I am confident that Liberia will not only rise to meet today’s challenges but set a new benchmark for fisheries governance in the region.”