MONROVIA, Liberia — The newly elected and appointed officials of the Liberia Artisanal Fishers Association (LAFA) have officially met with the Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), J. Cyrus Saygbe Sr., at the authority’s headquarters in Monrovia to introduce the association’s new leadership following recent elections.
During the meeting, LAFA President Jerry N. Blamo Sr. formally presented the association’s newly elected and appointed officials to Director General Saygbe and reaffirmed LAFA’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with NaFAA in advancing the interests of small-scale fishers across Liberia.
Blamo emphasized the association’s readiness to work closely with government institutions and development partners to improve fisheries governance, promote sustainable resource management, and enhance the livelihoods of artisanal fishing communities throughout the country.
Speaking during the engagement, Director General Saygbe welcomed the new LAFA leadership and reiterated the commitment of the Government of Liberia, under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, to continue supporting small-scale fishers nationwide.
He noted that the government remains committed to promoting the fisheries sector in line with national development priorities under the Rescue Agenda, recognizing the critical role artisanal fishers play in ensuring food security, employment, livelihoods, and the expansion of Liberia’s blue economy.
Saygbe further encouraged the new LAFA leadership to remain united, transparent, and proactive in representing the concerns and aspirations of fishing communities across the country.
He stressed the importance of continued dialogue, cooperation, and partnership in addressing key challenges confronting the fisheries sector, including illegal fishing, limited infrastructure, and access to improved fishing opportunities.
The meeting underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between NaFAA and LAFA aimed at strengthening fisheries governance and improving the welfare of small-scale fishers in Liberia.