The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched the Blue Economy Accelerator Programme, a new initiative aimed at promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and youth participation in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
The programme is designed to identify, nurture and accelerate innovative startups with the potential to drive sustainable growth across the country’s maritime sector by providing business development support, industry mentorship and technical guidance.
Speaking on the initiative, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the programme aligns with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s vision of unlocking the vast opportunities within the blue economy through innovation and entrepreneurship.
According to him, participants will receive structured support to transform promising ideas into viable businesses capable of addressing key challenges and opportunities in the maritime sector.
“The programme reflects NIMASA’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the vision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in unlocking the immense potential of the blue economy by empowering young innovators, entrepreneurs and technology-driven enterprises. We at NIMASA want to provide a platform for investors to identify young talents and invest in them,” Mobereola said.
The NIMASA boss also commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for developing the Marine and Blue Economy Policy, describing it as a strategic roadmap for the sector’s growth.
He encouraged young Nigerians to take advantage of the initiative, noting that it has the potential to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses capable of attracting investment and creating jobs in the maritime industry.
NIMASA said applications are open to startups and innovators developing solutions in key areas of the blue economy, including marine waste management and the circular economy, aquaculture and sustainable fisheries, maritime technology and logistics innovation, ocean renewable energy, marine tourism, marine biotechnology, ocean data and analytics, green shipping, smart port solutions, autonomous marine vehicles, biofouling prevention technologies, and nature-based coastal resilience.
The agency disclosed that the first phase of the programme is expected to attract at least 150 high-quality applications from Nigerian citizens, including those residing within and outside the country.
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