By Staff Writer
The Government of Liberia says the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority’s (NaFAA) planned headquarters is a sign of a great move toward establishing permanent public infrastructure.
NaFAA on Wednesday broke ground for a modern facility intended to serve as its long-term home, providing a more spacious and centralized working environment.
Speaking on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., Ambassador-at-Large Charles Snetter said the project reflects a broader effort to reduce reliance on leased office space while improving efficiency and lowering long-term costs.
Snetter welcomed the World Bank’s support, describing the initiative as a key contribution to Liberia’s development priorities.
He also commended international partners for backing the government’s agenda.He said the project aligns with the government’s ARREST agenda, particularly its focus on infrastructure development, institutional capacity building and improved service delivery.
The complex is part of the World Bank-funded Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project, specifically its second component, which targets increased value addition in fish and fish products.
The effort includes strengthening post-harvest systems to boost the sector’s economic potential. Planned deliverables include an industrial fishing port and an artisanal landing site at Mesurado Pier in Monrovia.
Accordingly, he facilities are expected to feature cold storage, ice plants, processing units, fish markets, engine repair workshops, and water and sanitation systems.
Deirdre J. Babalola, of the President’s Young Professionals Program assigned to NaFAA, said the project aims to improve fish quality, reduce post-harvest losses, expand market access and create opportunities for private investment across the fisheries value chain.
She said the broader initiative seeks to transform Liberia’s fisheries and aquaculture sector into a sustainable driver of economic growth, food security and employment, while addressing institutional and policy gaps and promoting climate-resilient resource management.
NaFAA Director General J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr. described the groundbreaking as a major milestone, noting that the facility will serve as a centralized hub to enhance operations and support fishing communities nationwide.
The NaFAA boss said the sector continues to play a key role in job creation, food security, and the empowerment of women and youth, adding that the new complex complements plans for a modern fishing port.
According to him, the project reflects national resilience and a shared commitment to sustainably manage Liberia’s marine resources.
