By Abdul Rahman Bah
Speaking at the weekly press briefing of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, at the Miatta Conference Centre, Youyi Building in Freetown, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba, delivered a comprehensive update on the performance, reforms, and future direction of Sierra Leone’s fisheries sector.
The Minister expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage the public on fisheries, describing fish as a national asset that affects every household through nutrition, employment, and economic activity. She reaffirmed her commitment to disciplined leadership, noting that the ministry operates on a results-driven culture where hard work and accountability leave no room for excuses.
Princess Dugba disclosed that the ministry recorded a notable increase in revenue, rising from about 150 million euros in 2024 to 163 million euros in 2025. She described the growth as evidence of improved management systems, enhanced compliance, and a deliberate policy of continuous progress. According to her, each year is approached with the clear objective of outperforming the last.
She emphasized that revenue projections are now based on careful analysis rather than arbitrary expectations. The ministry, she explained, works with relevant authorities to ensure fairness and realism, recognizing that investors operate under different conditions. Clear arrangements and predictable rules, she said, have helped rebuild confidence among operators who previously struggled with uncertainty.
Addressing licensing reforms, the Minister explained that government has avoided excessive fee increases that could discourage investment. Where adjustments were necessary, increments were kept modest and license durations extended to provide stability. These measures, she noted, have strengthened compliance and contributed directly to higher revenue collection.
Princess Dugba also spoke on local fishing fees, explaining that earlier caution was necessary to protect livelihoods. With better data and engagement, the ministry has now introduced balanced adjustments that consider both government revenue needs and the realities of artisanal fishers, ensuring inclusivity and fairness.
On conservation, the Minister provided strong justification for the closed fishing season, particularly the focus on industrial fishing activities. She explained that industrial vessels have the capacity to over exploit fish stocks, including juvenile fish, which threatens sustainability. Scientific advice from ministry experts informed cabinet discussions and guided the decision endorsed by the President.
She described the closed season as essential for replenishing fish stocks, likening it to granting marine life the space to reproduce and recover. Without such interventions, she warned, continuous harvesting would lead to depletion and long-term economic loss.
Princess Dugba concluded by reaffirming government’s commitment to sustainable fisheries management, investor confidence, and steady revenue growth. With science-based policies, improved tools, and stronger enforcement, she expressed optimism that 2026 will deliver even higher revenues while preserving Sierra Leone’s marine resources for future generations.
