08/16/2025
Liberia Launches Digital Fisheries Information Management System
In a landmark step toward modernizing the nation’s fisheries sector, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), in partnership with the World Bank, today officially launched the Fisheries Information Management System (FIMS) at the NaFAA Conference Room in Monrovia.
Held under the theme “Digitalizing Fisheries Governance: Enhancing Transparency, Efficiency, and Sustainability”, the event brought together senior government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, and fisheries stakeholders from across Liberia.
The ceremony opened with greetings, registration, and an invocation. In his welcome remarks, J. Cyrus Saygbe, Sr., Acting Director General of NaFAA, highlighted the transformative role the FIMS will play in reducing bureaucratic delays and improving service delivery across the sector.
Siekula Vannie, FIMS Lead and NaFAA’s HR Director, provided a detailed system overview, noting that the platform enables fish importers, artisanal fisherfolk, and other industry players to apply for licenses and permits entirely online, with approvals possible within just 24 hours.
Speaking on behalf of the World Bank, Ms. Georgia Wallen, Country Manager for Liberia, commended the collaborative effort, emphasizing that the new system will improve investor confidence, strengthen resource management, and bolster both the economy and national food security.
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. James Dorbor Jallah, Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority, underscored the economic benefits of the FIMS, pointing to increased revenue transparency, improved compliance, and streamlined processes that will help grow the sector.
The official launch was marked by a joint unveiling of the platform by NaFAA’s Acting Director General, the World Bank Country Manager, and the LRA Commissioner General. Attendees were treated to a live demonstration, showing the full application and approval process, supported by NaFAA’s ICT team and select stakeholders.
A private sector representative expressed optimism that the FIMS would make doing business in the fisheries sector faster, more transparent, and more reliable. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Atty. Abraham Dioh, Coordinator of the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project, who praised the collective efforts that brought this milestone to fruition.
With the launch of FIMS, NaFAA has reaffirmed its commitment to driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability—ensuring that Liberia’s fisheries sector continues to be a vital contributor to national growth and food security.
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