Monrovia, Liberia – The Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), J. Cyrus Saygbe, Sr., says the Authority has transitioned from “surviving” to making steady and measurable progress, driven by institutional reform, improved staff welfare, and strengthened partnerships.
Speaking on recent developments, Director General Saygbe emphasized that NaFAA is undergoing a significant transformation focused on accountability, motivation, decentralization, and national contribution.
He noted that staff morale has improved considerably. Employees are now more punctual and energized, with many reporting to work as early as 6:25 a.m., reflecting what he described as a renewed culture of discipline and commitment within the institution. Asset declaration has been completed in compliance with governance requirements, while Performance-Based Contracts are being introduced to ensure measurable deliverables and accountability. Efforts are also underway to address salary disparities among employees, and more than 32 long-term contractors are being formalized into structured employment.
In a move described as historic for the Authority, staff now benefit from transportation services, life insurance coverage, and reactivated Social Security and tax compliance. Approximately US$300,000 in staff-related arrears have been settled, and NaFAA has committed US$500,000 in national budget contributions, with installment payments already underway. Director General Saygbe stressed that workers in the fisheries sector operate in high-risk environments and must be properly valued and supported.
A key highlight of the reform agenda is the introduction of Quarterly Fish Market Days under the theme “From the Catch to the Consumer.” The initiative is designed to increase income for fishmongers, particularly women. During the most recent market day, women reported selling six times more than their usual daily sales. More than 57 women have received training in quality assurance, customer service, and digital payment systems.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with Orange Liberia and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Customers using Orange Money benefit from a 10 percent discount. The next Fish Market Day is scheduled for March 14 at Invincible Park in Monrovia. The program also promotes standardized measurement practices, encouraging sales by kilogram instead of informal “cup” measurements, with the goal of professionalizing women in the fisheries trade and increasing revenue generation.
Director General Saygbe further highlighted strengthened international partnerships, noting that collaboration with development partners is helping to reduce operational costs, fund infrastructure and training, support fish market expansion, and advance plans for integrated fish processing facilities.
As part of its decentralization agenda, NaFAA is renovating its Southeastern regional fisheries office, with completion expected between April and May. The Authority intends to operationalize the office before World Fisheries Day in November. Planned developments include integrated fish landing sites, cold storage facilities, ice-making machines, small fish markets, and alternative livelihood support for women in Greenville. These measures are also aimed at preparing communities for long-term sustainability, particularly in the event of reduced sea catches.
Director General Saygbe reiterated that the Authority’s renewed direction is anchored on accountability, staff welfare, women’s economic empowerment, decentralization of services, and modernization of Liberia’s fisheries sector. He stressed that NaFAA is no longer stagnant but is evolving into a structured, accountable institution contributing meaningfully to national development.
