MICAT Debriefs Nation -Deputy Min. Sando Speaks on Variety of Developments

MONROVIA – The Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) held its national briefing session, where Deputy Minister for Public Affairs Daniel Sando highlighted notable progress in Liberia’s fisheries sector.

According to him, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has secured Liberia’s first semi-industrial fishing vessel, The Sea King, constructed in Oman with support from the World Bank through the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project (LSMFP).

According to Sando, this state-of-the-art fiberglass vessel is now en route to Liberian waters, symbolizing a new era in the country’s blue economy, blending technology, sustainability, and economic opportunity.

He indicated that the NaFAA is seeking a Private Sector Partner, preferably a Liberian company, to manage The Sea King under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, aiming to unlock jobs, boost productivity, and elevate Liberia’s presence in the global fisheries market.

NaFAA’s Strategic Initiatives

Also on September 22, NaFAA hosted its 2nd Fisheries Development Partners Coordination Group Meeting, unveiling several strategic initiatives: New NaFAA Logo: Symbolizing the authority’s refreshed identity; National Fishmongers Database: Progressing towards better sector data

Aquaculture Data Systems: Enhancing data capabilities; cutting-edge Fisheries Monitoring Center: Boosting oversight, and Regional Office in Harper, Maryland County.

He also spoke of Decentralization Strategy, as part of NaFAA’s bold plans, World Fisheries Day Celebration, the scheduled for November 2025 arrival of The Sea King Vessel, a milestone; reduced Licensing Fees for Artisanal Fishermen: Supportive measure, Fisheries Investment Conference: Planned for February 2026.

He said NaFAA emphasizes its position as a One-Stop Shop for real-time, reliable fisheries and aquaculture data, backed by partners like the World Bank, European Union, FAO, UNDP, and others, indicating a bright future for Liberia’s fisheries sector.

International Engagements

Minister Sando also reported that Liberia signed the Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel on September 22, 2025, at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, championed by countries including Australia, Jordan, and Sierra Leone.

This declaration aims to enhance safety and respect for humanitarian workers, especially local and national staff, under international law, he said.

Liberia’s UN Security Council Tenure

He also stated that Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti assured African Union Member States that Liberia will advance Africa’s interests during its 2026 UN Security Council tenure, focusing on UN Peacekeeping reform and addressing the climate crisis linked to natural resources and conflict. Minister Nyanti stressed the importance of African countries consulting frequently to ensure Africa’s voice is heard and interests pursued in international organizations.

President Boakai’s UN Address

Reporting on Liberian delegation to the 2025 UNGA, Sando said yesterday, September 23, 2025, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai was to address the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Debate, themed “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights”.

“Yesterday, President Boakai spoke at the Fourth World Conference on Women, highlighting Liberia’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, outlining key priorities in his Agenda for Inclusive Development,” Sando also stated.

Economic Developments

Deputy Minister Sando revealed that the Government of Liberia signed Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) with Atlas/Oranto Petroleum for four offshore oil blocks (LB-15, LB-16, LB-22, LB-24), involving a $16 million signature bonus and estimated $200 million investment per block. President Boakai emphasized transparency, environmental protection, and local participation.

Upcoming Maritime Conference

He also said Liberia is expected to host the 8th Conference of the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) from September 30 to October 3, 2025, focusing on “Safeguarding Our Ocean, Promoting Decarbonization in Shipping, Exploring Africa’s Blue Economy Potential”, aiming to shape Africa’s maritime future.