The Acting Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr., has called for deeper regional cooperation and technological innovation.
The call intends to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing across the Gulf of Guinea.
Saygbe’s call was contained in a statement he delivered in Lagos, Nigeria, at the 16th Ministerial Meeting of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC).
He is the outgoing chairperson of FCWC, who described the event as a “defining moment for inclusive and sustainable fisheries governance.”
Saygbe then extended Liberia’s appreciation to the Nigerian government and people for hosting the session.
According to a release, he particularly commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his leadership commitment to advance regional fisheries management.
Saygbe hailed the historic participation of small-scale fishers at the Ministerial Session, including representatives from the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG), and Liberia as a milestone in ensuring that fisherfolk’s voices shape regional decision-making.
“By bringing fisherfolk to the decision-making table, we have ensured that the policies we craft truly reflect the realities of those who live and work on our waters every day.”
He spoke on the conference theme: “Consolidating Regional Efforts Towards Strengthening Fisheries Governance, Enhancing Collaboration Among Member States, and Intensifying the Fight Against IUU Fishing in the Gulf of Guinea.”
Saygbe underscored the devastating impact of IUU fishing on national economies and food security.
He warned that illegal fishing costs the region billions of dollars annually, but urged member states to embrace digital solutions such as vessel monitoring systems (VMS/AIS), electronic catch documentation and real-time surveillance technologies.
“IUU fishing robs our nations of resources that could build schools, fund hospitals and create jobs. Our response must be technological, intelligence-driven and coordinated.”
Mr. Saygbe also announced a joint maritime patrol between Liberia and Nigeria, to be coordinated through the FCWC’s Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Centre, as a symbol of “regional solidarity in action.”
He highlighted the importance of aquaculture, adding: “The future of regional food security lies in developing fish farming at a commercial scale to meet rising demand and empower coastal communities.”
He commended JICA, ECOWAS, and the FAO for supporting aquaculture development across FCWC member states and called for stronger private-sector partnerships and investment in hatcheries and cold-chain systems.