— Says NaFAA Acting Director General as Liberia Establishes National Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) for FiTI Implementation
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Acting Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), Mr. J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr., has underscored the critical role of transparency in advancing the growth and sustainability of Liberia’s fisheries sector. He noted that without transparency, meaningful development within the sector remains impossible.
Mr. Saygbe made the remarks on Wednesday, November 27, 2025, when he officially inaugurated the MSG and declared open a one-day Multi-Stakeholder Transparency Initiative Workshop held at NaFAA Headquarters in Monrovia. The workshop was organized by NaFAA with support from the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI).
He emphasised that transparency is a global standard and a fundamental pillar of national development, particularly for resource-dependent sectors like fisheries. According to him, improving transparency helps strengthen fisheries governance, promotes responsible investment, enhances data credibility, and aligns with Liberia’s commitment to modernising and reforming the sector.
The Acting Director General highlighted that Liberia has made notable progress in recent years to increase openness in fisheries management. He reaffirmed NaFAA’s commitment to sustaining these gains as the country continues its journey toward full compliance with global transparency frameworks.
Providing updates during the workshop, FiTI West Africa Regional Coordinator Mr. Ameyaw Asiedu explained that the Fisheries Transparency Initiative works with countries that demonstrate a strong commitment to improving transparency in their fisheries sectors. He disclosed that Liberia was recently accepted as a FiTI member state based on the strides made and the government’s expressed willingness to implement the initiative.
Mr. Asiedu further emphasised that sustainable fisheries management is inherently complex, requiring balanced consideration of economic, environmental, and social interests. Because no single stakeholder can address these needs alone, he said FiTI encourages countries to establish a National Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) as a collaborative decision-making platform.
Liberia has now formally established its National Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG), which will guide the full implementation of the Fisheries Transparency Initiative in the country. The MSG is composed of representatives from key national institutions and civil society organizations, including, not limited to Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of Justice, Liberia Maritime, Authority, the Environmental Protection Agency, University of Liberia—Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture Science, Environmental Justice Foundation, Conservation International, Liberia Artisanal Fishermen Association, Collaborative Management Association, and And other relevant stakeholders
The establishment of the MSG marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s commitment to strengthening accountability, improving sustainability, and ensuring that its fisheries resources contribute meaningfully to national development.
