The Director General–designate of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), Mr. J. Cyrus Saygbe, Sr., has pledged to strengthen institutional governance, expand local fish production, and protect Liberia’s marine resources if confirmed by the Liberian Senate.
Mr. Saygbe made the commitment on Monday, January 19, 2026, while appearing before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries as part of his confirmation hearing. He emphasized that the fisheries and aquaculture sector plays a critical role in Liberia’s food security, employment generation, and overall economic development.
Addressing lawmakers, Saygbe outlined a reform-driven agenda focused on transparency, accountability, and institutional strengthening. He stressed the importance of supporting local fishermen and fish farmers to ensure that Liberians derive meaningful benefits from the country’s extensive marine and inland water resources.
“If confirmed, my administration will prioritize stronger enforcement against illegal fishing, improve revenue collection for the government, and ensure that our people are the primary beneficiaries of Liberia’s fisheries resources,” Saygbe told the committee.
As part of efforts to modernize the sector and increase revenue generation, the NaFAA Director General–designate urged the government to invest in the construction of a proposed Fishery Port, estimated to cost approximately US$26 million. He described the project as a strategic investment that would significantly enhance fish landing, processing, storage, and export capacity, while reducing post-harvest losses across the value chain.
Saygbe also disclosed that NaFAA has completed its decentralization plan, which, once implemented, will devolve key fisheries management functions to county authorities, particularly in coastal areas. He noted that the initiative is intended to bring services closer to fishing communities and strengthen local oversight and participation.
Reflecting on his tenure as Acting Director General, Saygbe informed senators that NaFAA has improved monitoring, control, and surveillance of Liberia’s territorial waters and strengthened collaboration with international partners to enhance compliance with fisheries regulations. He assured lawmakers that his administration would work closely with security agencies and local authorities to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
In response to concerns raised by senators about revenue leakages and community empowerment, Saygbe highlighted the importance of expanding inland aquaculture to reduce pressure on marine fisheries while creating sustainable livelihoods, particularly for women and youth.
“Aquaculture has the potential to transform rural communities,” he said. “We will prioritize training, access to fingerlings, and technical support to empower vulnerable groups and ensure Liberia maximizes the benefits of its natural resources.”
The confirmation process continues as lawmakers evaluate Saygbe’s vision to reposition NaFAA as a transparent, community-focused, and revenue-generating institution driving sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development in Liberia.
