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The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) will open the application portal for its Blue Economy Accelerator Programme (NIMASA-BEAP) on Monday, October 5, 2026, inviting young Nigerian innovators aged 18 to 28 to submit ideas that can drive growth in the nation’s blue economy.
The programme combines a National Innovation Hackathon with a 12-week accelerator, and is designed to identify and support young talents whose solutions can unlock opportunities in the maritime and blue economy sectors.
Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the initiative reflects the Agency’s commitment to positioning young Nigerians as active participants in blue economy development through innovation, entrepreneurship and technology.
He noted that while the maritime sector holds enormous potential for economic growth and job creation, realising it requires fresh ideas, technological innovation and youth participation.
“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.
Applications will be accepted from October 5 to November 13, 2026. Submissions will then undergo evaluation and due diligence from November 16 to December 2, 2026.
Successful applicants will advance to the National Innovation Hackathon, scheduled for December 8–10, 2026, where their ideas will be further developed and assessed.
Selected innovators will then join the 12-week accelerator programme in the first quarter of 2027, culminating in a National Demo Day in the second quarter. The event will allow participants to showcase their solutions, demonstrate progress and explore collaboration and enterprise opportunities.
NIMASA urged eligible young Nigerians with relevant ideas to apply once the portal opens, reiterating its commitment to empowering the next generation of maritime entrepreneurs and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global blue economy.
