𝐍𝐚𝐅𝐀𝐀 𝐃𝐆 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

Monrovia -The Director General-designate of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority J. Cyrus Saygbe, Sr., has outlined an ambitious agenda to strengthen governance, expand local fish production, and safeguard Liberia’s marine and inland water resources if confirmed.‎‎

Appearing before the Liberian Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on Monday, January 19, 2026, Saygbe highlighted the critical role of fisheries and aquaculture in ensuring food security, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.

He emphasized transparency, institutional reform, and enhanced support for local fishermen and fish farmers as key priorities.‎‎Saygbe stressed the need for stronger enforcement against illegal fishing, improved government revenue generation, and greater benefits for Liberians from the country’s marine and inland resources.

As part of efforts to boost revenue and modernize the sector, he called on the national government to invest in the construction of the proposed US$26 million Fishery Port.‎‎

The NaFAA boss-designate also disclosed that the authority has completed its decentralization plan, which is expected to extend fisheries management activities to counties, particularly coastal areas, and improve service delivery.‎‎

Reflecting on his tenure as Acting Director General, Saygbe reported progress in monitoring and surveillance of Liberia’s territorial waters, as well as increased engagement with international partners to strengthen compliance with fisheries regulations.

He assured lawmakers that NaFAA would continue working closely with security agencies and local authorities to combat illegal fishing.‎‎During the hearing, senators raised concerns about revenue leakages and the empowerment of coastal communities.

In response, Saygbe pointed to the expansion of inland aquaculture as a strategy to reduce pressure on marine fisheries while creating sustainable livelihoods, especially for women and youth.‎‎

Saygbe was recently appointed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai after serving as Acting Director General of NaFAA since May 2025.