Published: March 31, 2025
MONROVIA – The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has officially handed over two milestone facilities—the Fisheries College and the Regional Center of Excellence to the administration of the University of Liberia. These facilities, fully funded by the World Bank, mark a significant achievement in advancing fisheries education and research in Liberia.
At the turnover ceremony held on Friday, March 28, 2025, in the Fendell Community, Montserrado County, the Acting Director General of NaFAA, Mr. J. Cyrus Saygbe, informed the UL administration that the Center of Excellence comprises 28 rooms, including 14 self-contained units, 11 classrooms, 7 offices, and 4 bathrooms. These facilities will now be part of the newly established UL College of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Mr. Saygbe highlighted that the state-of-the-art infrastructure is a result of the strong partnership between the Government of Liberia, through NaFAA, and the World Bank. He said that NaFAA is committed to transitioning towards Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to enhance its operations. In line with this vision, he announced that NaFAA anticipates the arrival of semi-industrial fiberglass boats by mid-April, supplementing the 15 Kru and 8 Fanti fiberglass canoes currently being assembled at the contractor’s site in Liberia.
“In the coming months, we expect to receive a semi-industrial fiberglass boat, in addition to the 15 Kru and 8 Fanti fiberglass canoes currently being assembled,” he stated.
Additionally, Saygbe revealed plans for major reconstruction work at the Klay Hatchery and upgrades to the Robertsport fish landing site to ensure full operational capacity. “These projects will enable NaFAA to diversify its revenue streams and strengthen its ability to fulfill its mandate, as outlined in the 2017 Fisheries Act,” he noted.
He acknowledged the World Bank’s contribution to the transformation of Liberia’s fisheries sector. Over the past few years, the World Bank has been a key partner, providing support through various initiatives that have resulted in some infrastructure improvements.
Mr. Saygbe also announced the imminent launch of the Fisheries Management Information System (FIMS), a self-service platform designed to streamline the application and issuance of all licenses, permits, authorizations, and certificates. This system, which integrates debit and credit card payments as well as mobile money, aims to reduce revenue leakages and enhance operational efficiency.
In a bid to foster transparency and engagement, he revealed that NaFAA will soon introduce an Open House initiative, offering the media and the public an opportunity to interact directly with NaFAA’s management and technical teams.
The construction of the facilities were done under the supervision of suspended NaFAA boss, Emma Glasco.
UL President Pledges Commitment
Receiving the two facilities on behalf of the University of Liberia, Dr. Layli Marpayan expressed gratitude to the World Bank and NaFAA for their contributions. She assured that the university would ensure the proper utilization of the facilities for the benefit of students.
“Today marks a historic milestone not only for the University of Liberia but for the entire nation, as we take a significant step toward strengthening our fisheries sector through academic excellence, research, and innovation,” Dr. Marpayan stated. “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. Marpayan also acknowledged the efforts of Madam Emma Matieh Glassco, the immediate past Director-General of NaFAA, under whose leadership this World Bank-funded project was initiated.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize Madam Emma Glassco because it was during her administration that this project and several other milestones were initiated and achieved,” she noted.
As the university assumes stewardship of these facilities, Dr. Marpanyan urged faculty, students, and researchers to seize this opportunity with dedication and innovation. She encouraged 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.
World Bank expressed satisfaction
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Stefano Curto, the World Bank’s Lead Economist for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, expressed excitement over the Bank’s partnership with the Liberian government, the University of Liberia, and NaFAA. He noted that the collaboration is aimed at building institutions that provide the technical expertise necessary for a thriving and sustainable fisheries sector—one that can play a crucial role in the Liberian economy and improve the livelihoods of its people.
Earlier, Abraham Dioh, Coordinator of the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project, presented an overview of the initiative. He explained that the project’s overarching goal is to improve fisheries management while enhancing livelihoods and income generation for both the government and targeted beneficiaries.
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