The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced the opening of the application portal for its Blue Economy Accelerator Programme (NIMASA-BEAP) on October 5, 2026. The programme aims to identify, nurture, and support young talents with innovative solutions that can unlock the vast economic opportunities in Nigeria's maritime and blue economy sectors. NIMASA made the appeal to young Nigerian innovators between the ages of 18 and 28 to submit innovative ideas capable of driving growth and transformation in Nigeria's blue economy.
The initiative includes a National Innovation Hackathon and a 12-week accelerator programme designed to position young Nigerians as active participants in the development of the nation's blue economy through innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology. According to NIMASA's Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, Osagie Edward, the programme reflects the Agency's commitment to fostering innovation and empowering the next generation of maritime entrepreneurs.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stated that Nigeria's maritime sector holds enormous potential for economic growth, job creation, and national development. He emphasized that unlocking this potential requires fresh ideas, technological innovation, and the active participation of young people. Mobereola noted that the future of Nigeria's blue economy will be built on ideas, innovation, enterprise, and collaboration.
The application portal for NIMASA-BEAP will remain open from October 5 to November 13, 2026. Submitted applications will undergo evaluation and due diligence from November 16 to December 2, 2026. Successful applicants will proceed to the National Innovation Hackathon scheduled for December 8-10, 2026, where innovative ideas will be further developed and assessed as part of the programme's selection process.
The selected innovators will subsequently participate in a 12-week accelerator programme in the first quarter of 2027, culminating in a National Demo Day in the second quarter of the year. The Demo Day will provide a platform for participants to showcase their solutions, demonstrate their progress, and explore opportunities for collaboration and enterprise development.
NIMASA encourages eligible young Nigerians with innovative ideas and solutions relevant to the maritime and blue economy sectors to take advantage of the opportunity by submitting their applications through the programme portal. The Agency reiterated its commitment to supporting solutions that will strengthen Nigeria's position in the global blue economy.
The Blue Economy Accelerator Programme is a significant initiative that seeks to harness the potential of Nigeria's maritime sector. By providing a platform for young innovators to develop practical solutions, NIMASA aims to drive growth and transformation in the nation's blue economy. The programme is expected to contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigeria's maritime sector and position the country as a key player in the global blue economy.
Key points
- NIMASA invites young innovators aged 18-28 to apply for its Blue Economy Accelerator Programme.
- The programme includes a National Innovation Hackathon and a 12-week accelerator programme.
- The application portal will be open from October 5 to November 13, 2026.
