The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched the Blue Economy Accelerator Programme, a new initiative aimed at nurturing innovative startups and empowering young Nigerians to develop solutions that will drive sustainable growth in the country’s marine and blue economy.
The programme is designed to identify and support entrepreneurs with innovative ideas capable of transforming Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem through business development support, industry mentorship and technical guidance.
Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of unlocking the vast economic potential of the blue economy by creating opportunities for youth-led innovation and investment.
According to him, participants will receive the support needed to transform promising ideas into viable businesses that address critical challenges and opportunities within 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 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 providing a clear policy direction through the codification of the Marine and Blue Economy Policy, describing it as a strategic roadmap for the sector’s development.
He urged young Nigerians to take advantage of the programme, noting that it has the potential to transform innovative ideas into thriving businesses capable of attracting investment and creating jobs.
Applications are open to startups and innovators developing solutions in key areas such as marine waste management and the blue circular economy, aquaculture and sustainable fisheries, maritime technology and logistics, 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 defence systems.
NIMASA said the first phase of the programme is expected to attract at least 150 high-quality applications from Nigerian innovators both at home and in the diaspora.
The agency said the initiative underscores its commitment to fostering innovation, promoting youth participation and positioning Nigeria as a leading player in the global blue economy through strategic investments in entrepreneurship and technology.