The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has formally transferred the World Bank-funded Fisheries College and Regional Center of Excellence facilities to the University of Liberia (UL).
This transfer represents a crucial advancement in bolstering Liberia’s fishing industry, focusing on education, innovation, and the responsible governance of marine resources.
Led by NaFAA Acting Director General J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr., the event underscored the ongoing advancements within the fishing industry, facilitated through a collaborative effort among the Liberian government, NaFAA, and the World Bank.
At the ceremony, Saygbe detailed NaFAA's upcoming projects, highlighting the organization’s shift toward collaborating with private entities to improve functionality.
During his statement, Saygbe mentioned, “Over the next few months, we anticipate the arrival of semi-industrial fiberglass boats scheduled to reach Liberia by mid-April. This will be alongside the 15 Kru and 8 Fanti fiberglass dugout canoes presently under construction at the contractor’s facility in Liberia.”
He also mentioned NaFAA's plans for major reconstruction at the Klay Hatchery and improvements to the Robertsport fish landing site to ensure better operations.
Saygbe expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its pivotal role in the infrastructure development of the fisheries sector, stating, "For the past years, the World Bank has been a true partner of NaFAA, providing support through multiple streams that have brought tangible infrastructure to Liberia."
In the future, Saygbe revealed plans for launching the Fisheries Management Information System (FIMS), an online portal intended to simplify the processing of applications and distribution of licenses, permits, authorizations, and certifications. The platform will support debit and credit card transactions along with mobile payment options to minimize financial losses and enhance operational procedures. Saygbe further noted, “This new system should boost our productivity and create a clearer, more open procedure.”
NaFAA also plans to introduce an Open House for media and public engagement, as well as to reintroduce the Fisheries Hour radio talk show on State Radio, which will be broadcast through various rural community stations. This initiative aims to provide timely and accurate information, fostering greater transparency and communication with coastal communities.
The Fisheries College and Regional Center of Excellence, recently transferred to UL, comprises 28 spaces such as 14 standalone rooms, 11 lecture halls, 7 workspaces, and 4 restrooms. This advanced facility was made possible through cooperation among NaFAA, the Liberian government, and the World Bank. Saygbe expressed his sentiments: "With great happiness and appreciation, I am proud to present this Center of Excellence today, an outcome of the collaborative efforts between the Government of Liberia, NaFAA, and the World Bank."
Dr. Layli Marpanyan, who serves as the President of the University of Liberia, accepted the facilities on behalf of the institution and conveyed her gratitude for the improved infrastructure.
She praised the World Bank and NaFAA for their investment and reaffirmed the university’s dedication to utilizing these resources to bolster Liberia’s fishing industry via educational distinction and scholarly inquiry. “This day marks an important turning point both for the University of Liberia and for our whole country, as we make considerable progress towards enhancing our fisheries sector through academic prowess, research, and innovative approaches,” stated Dr. Marpanyan.
She challenged faculty, students, and researchers to make the most of the new facilities, encouraging them to leverage the resources to generate knowledge, develop sustainable fisheries policies, and foster regional collaboration. "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 added.
Speaking on behalf of the World Bank, Mr. Stefano Curto, Lead Economist for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, praised the collaboration between the World Bank, NaFAA, and UL, emphasizing the importance of building institutional capacity for a successful and sustainable fisheries sector.
"We are pleased to partner with the University of Liberia and NaFAA 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," Curto said.
At the beginning of the event, Abraham Dioh, who leads the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project, gave a summary of the program. He highlighted that the aim of this effort is to boost fishery management as well as increase livelihood opportunities and incomes for both governmental bodies and selected recipients.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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