-Seeks Public-Private Partnership To Boost Fisheries Sector

The Acting Director of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, NaFAA, has officially handed over the World Bank-financed Fisheries College and Regional Center of Excellence to the University of Liberia Administration, disclosing that it envisages shifting much of its operations toward Public-Private Partnerships.  Mr. J. Cyrus Saygbe , Sr stated that in the coming months, the Fisheries Authority looks forward to welcoming some semi-industrial fiberglass boats, which are due to arrive in Liberia by mid-April, and in addition to the 15 kru and 8 Fanti fiberglass canoes currently being assembled at the contractor’s site in Liberia.

“in the coming months, we look forward to welcoming a semi-industrial fiberglass boat that is expected to arrive in Liberia by mid-April, in addition to the 15 kru and 8 Fanti fiberglass canoes currently being assembled at the contractor’s site in Liberia”.

Acting Director General Saygbe further noted that NaFAA will also begin major reconstruction works of the Klay Hatchery and carry out improvements at Robertsports fish landing site, to ensure that it is fully operational. He said those projects will enable NaFAA to diversify its revenue streams and empower the Authority to carry out its mandate as outlined in the Act of 2017.

Commenting on the pivotal role the World Bank has played in enhancing the Liberian Fisheries sector transformation, Mr. Saygbe noted that for the past years, the World Bank has been a true partner of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), providing support through multiple streams that have brought tangible infrastructure to Liberia.

Additionally, the Liberian Fisheries Authority Acting Director announced that the Fisheries Management Information System (FIMS), a self-service platform designed to streamline the application and issuance of all licenses, permits, authorizations, and certificates, is set to roll out soon. This system, he said, integrates with both debit and credit card payments as well as mobile money, and is intended to reduce revenue leakages and restructure its operations.

Mr. Saygbe pointed out that in the coming months, NaFAA will introduce an Open House, providing an opportunity for the media and the public to engage directly with NaFAA’s Management as well as Technical Teams and learn more about its work. He later mentioned that NaFAA plans to reintroduce the Fisheries Hour radio talk show on State Radio and broadcast it through various rural community radio stations and as well as on other news outlets. He indicated that the Fisheries Hour radio talk show will ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information, fostering transparency and engagement with the people of Liberia, particularly coastal dwellers.

Furthermore, presenting the two facilities officially to the administration of the University of Liberia through its President Dr. Layli Marpanyan, Mr. Saygbe said the Center of Excellence, consists of 28 rooms, 14 of which are self-contained, as well as 11 classrooms, 7 offices, and 4 bathrooms at the new UL College of Fisheries and Aquaculture. He added that the state-of-the-art infrastructure is the product of a partnership between the Government of Liberia, through NaFAA, and the World Bank.

“Madam President, it is with immense joy and gratitude that I now turn to the official handover of the Center of Excellence, consisting of 28 rooms, 14 of which are self-contained, as well as 11 classrooms, 7 offices, and 4 bathrooms at the new UL College of Fisheries and Aquaculture. This state-of-the-art infrastructure is the product of a partnership between the Government of Liberia, through NaFAA, and the World Bank.

“On behalf of the President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., I extend our deepest appreciation to the World Bank for their unwavering support. Liberia is truly grateful for your continued investment, which will leave a lasting impact on our nation and our people. Your efforts will undoubtedly create a legacy for future generations, and we are honored to witness the manifestation of this vision today”.

Receiving the two facilities from the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, NaFAA, Dr. Layli Marpanyan commended the World Bank along with the Liberian Fisheries Authority for the facilities and also promised that the administration will ensure that the facilities are properly utilized for the benefit of the students.

“Today is a historic milestone not only for the University of Liberia but also for the entire nation, as we take a significant step toward strengthening our fisheries sector through academic excellence, research, and innovation. This facility will serve as a beacon of knowledge, training future generations of fisheries professionals, scientists, and policymakers who will drive the sustainable development of Liberia’s vast marine resources”.

Dr. Marpanyan said as the University assumes stewardship of the facilities, she called upon the faculty, students, and researchers to seize the opportunity with dedication and innovation. She also challenged them to leverage the platform to generate knowledge, develop sustainable fisheries policies, and foster regional collaboration that will position Liberia as a leader in fisheries education and marine resource management.

Making remarks during the occasion on behalf of the World Bank, its lead Economist for Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone Mr. Stefano Curto, stated that the Bank is pleased to partner with University of Liberia and the National Fishery and Aquaculture Authority to build institution that provides the technical know-how necessary for a successful and sustainable fisheries sector that can play a crucial role in the Liberian economy and help improve the livelihoods of the Liberian people.

“We are pleased to partner with the University of Liberia and the National Fishery and Aquaculture Authority to build an institution that provides the technical know-how necessary for a successful and sustainable fishery sector that can play a crucial role in the Liberian economy and help improve the livelihoods of the Liberian people.”

Earlier, presenting the project overview, the Coordinator of the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project, Abraham Dioh, said that the overarching goal of the project is to improve fisheries management while enhancing livelihoods and income generation for both the government and targeted beneficiaries.