NIMASA Opens Blue Economy Accelerator Portal, Targets Young Innovators
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has opened applications for its Blue Economy Accelerator Programme (NIMASA-BEAP), inviting young Nigerians aged 18 to 28 to submit innovative ideas capable of transforming the country’s maritime and blue economy sectors.
The application portal opened on Monday, October 5, 2026, and will remain accessible until November 13, 2026.
NIMASA said the initiative is designed to identify, nurture and support young innovators with technology-driven solutions that can unlock economic opportunities in the maritime sector.
The programme features a National Innovation Hackathon and a 12-week accelerator programme aimed at helping participants develop their ideas into viable enterprises.
Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the initiative reflects the agency’s commitment to positioning young Nigerians as active contributors to the development of the blue economy.
Mobereola said Nigeria’s maritime sector has significant potential for economic growth, job creation and national development, but unlocking the opportunities requires innovation, technology and greater youth participation.
“The future of Nigeria’s blue economy will be built on ideas, innovation, enterprise and collaboration,” he said.
He added that through NIMASA-BEAP, the agency is creating a platform for young Nigerians to develop practical solutions, transform innovative ideas into viable businesses and contribute to the growth of the maritime sector.
Following the close of applications on November 13, submitted entries will undergo evaluation and due diligence between November 16 and December 2, 2026.
Successful applicants will advance to the National Innovation Hackathon scheduled for December 8–10, where their ideas will be further developed and assessed.
Selected innovators will then participate in a 12-week accelerator programme in the first quarter of 2027, culminating in a National Demo Day in the second quarter.
NIMASA said the Demo Day will enable participants to showcase their solutions, demonstrate progress and explore opportunities for collaboration, investment and enterprise development.
The agency urged eligible young Nigerians with innovative solutions relevant to the maritime and blue economy sectors to take advantage of the programme.
NIMASA said the initiative is part of its broader efforts to foster innovation, empower the next generation of maritime entrepreneurs and develop solutions capable of strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global blue economy.
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