The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has unveiled the NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme (NIMASA-BEAP) and the National Innovation Hackathon, aimed at engaging young innovators in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
The initiative is designed to promote entrepreneurship, develop innovative solutions to challenges across the maritime value chain and attract increased private-sector investment into the sector.
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Speaking at the unveiling, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the programme as a national development initiative aimed at enabling Nigeria to derive greater economic value from its maritime resources.
Mobereola said Nigeria’s maritime economy remained largely untapped, noting that the country currently captures less than three per cent of the value generated through activities in its waters.
He urged young innovators and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities in the maritime sector, encouraging them to lead the next phase of innovation and investment in the industry.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, commended NIMASA for introducing the initiative, describing it as a shift from a regulatory approach towards actively catalysing the implementation of Nigeria’s blue economy agenda.
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Oyetola also called on commercial banks, development finance institutions and other maritime stakeholders to support the programme through funding, mentorship and strategic partnerships.
According to NIMASA, the programme will provide a structured platform for young Nigerians and innovative enterprises to develop solutions to challenges and opportunities across the marine and blue economy value chain.
The initiative is open to young innovators between the ages of 18 and 28.
Applications for the programme are scheduled to open on October 5, 2026, and close on November 13, 2026.
This will be followed by evaluation and due diligence from November 16 to December 2, 2026, while the National Innovation Hackathon is scheduled for December 8–10, 2026.
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The 12-week Accelerator Programme is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2027, followed by a National Demo Day in the second quarter of 2027.
NIMASA said the initiative is expected to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration while creating new opportunities for young Nigerians to contribute to the development of the country’s maritime and blue economy.