By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has purchased 250 bags of locally produced rice as a Christmas bonus for its staff, demonstrating the Government of Liberia’s commitment to promoting domestic agriculture in line with the 2025 fiscal policy on local procurement.
This is the first government institution to have procured locally produced rice for its staffs as a Christmas bonus.
According to NaFAA DG, “In line with the Government of Liberia’s 2025 fiscal policy mandating public institutions to procure locally produced rice, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) proudly procured 250 bags (25kg each) of locally produced rice from the Community of Hope Agriculture Project (CHAP), branded “I Love Liberian Rice”, as a Christmas bonus for all NaFAA staff,” Saygbe stated.
Addressing scores of journalists on Monday, December 22, 2025, NaFAA’s Acting Director General, J. Cyrus Saygbe, said the initiative was intentionally planned and goes beyond a seasonal gesture.He lamented that the decision was aimed at creating reliable markets for local producers and reinforcing the government’s broader food security agenda.
“This initiative is more than a seasonal gesture; it is a clear statement of commitment, “If we are serious about enhancing local production, the government must lead by example by supporting our farmers”, Saygbe said.
He applauded President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. for placing agriculture at the center of national development, noting that rice production remains a key pillar of the President’s agenda.
The NaFAA Acting DG further disclosed that the procurement decision was incorporated into NaFAA’s annual plan months in advance, with funds specifically allocated for the purchase.
According to him, the process followed due diligence and competitive procedures approved by the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC). Each 25kg bag was purchased at US$20.Saygbe has revealed that beginning 2026, NaFAA will exclusively use locally produced food at all its programs that will be conducted, adding that their plans to expand future staff Christmas packages to include Liberian palm oil and aquaculture products such as tilapia and catfish.
“This initiative is more than a seasonal gesture; it is a clear statement of commitment. Entering 2026, NaFAA will prioritize locally produced rice at all workshops, meetings, and public events, reinforcing support for domestic agriculture and rural livelihoods”.
For his part, Bishop Robert S M. Bimba, Chief Executive Officer of CHAP, described the procurement as a major boost for Liberian farmers.
Bishop Bimba noted that all the rice supplied was grown and processed locally and urged other government institutions to follow NaFAA’s example by placing advance orders to help local producers plan and scale production.
“When you buy domestic rice, jobs are created, incomes are raised, and livelihoods are improved,” Rev. Bimba said. “When you import, no jobs are created.”
