The Acting Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), Mr. Cyrus Saygbe, has called on Liberians to patronize locally produced goods as a way of empowering local investors and strengthening the national economy.
Mr. Saygbe said NaFAA has adopted a policy that prioritizes Liberian-made products, particularly those produced by local farmers and manufacturers.
He made the statement on Monday when the institution procured 250 bags of locally produced rice for US$20 per 25kg bag for distribution to staff as a Christmas bonus.
The Community of Hope Agriculture Project (CHAP), producers of the branded “I Love Liberian Rice,” emerged successful in the bidding process to supply the rice. According to Mr. Saygbe, NaFAA deliberately opened the procurement process to Liberian rice producers and, following careful evaluation, including tasting, selected CHAP as its supplier.
He noted that the initiative, which began earlier this year, aligns with the Government of Liberia’s 2025 fiscal policy requiring public institutions to procure locally produced rice. Mr. Saygbe emphasized that if Liberians are to truly embrace the slogan “Grow What You Eat,” government officials must lead by example by creating sustainable markets for locally produced goods.
Moreover, he said supporting Liberian rice strengthens food security, empowers local producers, and keeps the economy growing from within.
The NaFAA boss further pledged that all future institutional events, including workshops and conferences, will serve only locally produced agricultural products.
Speaking during the offloading of the rice, CHAP’s Chief Executive Officer, Bishop Robert S. M. Bimba, expressed gratitude to NaFAA for what he described as a significant purchase and a turning point for local rice producers.
Bishop Bimba joined Mr. Saygbe in urging Liberians to look inward for organic agricultural produce, noting that locally grown foods are healthier and more sustainable.
Reflecting on CHAP’s journey, he acknowledged that the path has not been easy but said perseverance has sustained the project over the years.
According to him, CHAP began operations in 2008 with the hope that consistent support for local production would eventually yield positive results.
