By Seun ibiyemi
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has opened applications for its Blue Economy Accelerator Programme (NIMASA-BEAP), inviting young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 28 to submit innovative ideas capable of driving growth and transformation in the country’s maritime and blue economy sectors.
The application portal opened on Monday, October 5, 2026, as part of the Agency’s efforts to identify, nurture and support the next generation of maritime entrepreneurs and innovators.
The initiative comprises a National Innovation Hackathon and a 12-week accelerator programme, designed to help young innovators develop practical solutions to challenges and opportunities across Nigeria’s blue economy.
Speaking on the programme, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said the initiative reflects the Agency’s commitment to ensuring that young Nigerians play an active role in developing the country’s maritime economy through innovation, entrepreneurship and technology.
According to him, Nigeria’s maritime sector has significant potential to drive economic growth, create jobs and contribute to national development, but unlocking these opportunities requires new ideas and greater participation by young Nigerians.
“The future of Nigeria’s blue economy will be built on ideas, innovation, enterprise and collaboration. Through NIMASA-BEAP, we are creating a platform for young Nigerians to develop practical solutions, transform innovative ideas into viable enterprises and contribute meaningfully to the growth of our maritime sector,” Mobereola stated.
NIMASA said the application window will remain open from October 5 to November 13, 2026, after which submitted applications will undergo evaluation and due diligence between November 16 and December 2.
Successful applicants will advance to the National Innovation Hackathon, scheduled for December 8–10, 2026.
The hackathon will provide an opportunity for participants to further develop their ideas and demonstrate the viability and potential impact of their proposed solutions.
Following the hackathon, selected innovators will participate in a 12-week accelerator programme in the first quarter of 2027.
The programme will culminate in a National Demo Day in the second quarter of 2027, where participants will showcase their solutions, demonstrate progress and explore opportunities for collaboration, investment and enterprise development.
The Agency said the programme is targeted at young Nigerians with innovative ideas and solutions relevant to the maritime and blue economy sectors.
The initiative is expected to support innovations capable of addressing challenges and creating opportunities across Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem while promoting entrepreneurship and technology-driven solutions.
NIMASA urged eligible young Nigerians to take advantage of the programme and submit their applications through the designated programme portal during the application period.
The Agency reiterated its commitment to fostering innovation, empowering young maritime entrepreneurs and supporting solutions capable of strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global blue economy.
