By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched the Blue Economy Accelerator Programme to connect young Nigerian innovators with investors while helping to transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses that will drive growth in the nation’s maritime sector.
The initiative is designed to identify and support promising startups and entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions to address challenges and unlock opportunities within Nigeria’s blue economy.
Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the programme will provide participants with structured business development support, technical guidance, and mentorship from industry experts to help them develop commercially viable ventures.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of unlocking the enormous potential of the blue economy by empowering young innovators, entrepreneurs, and technology-driven enterprises.
Mobereola explained that the programme will also serve as a platform for investors to identify promising talents and invest in businesses capable of transforming the maritime industry.
“The programme reflects NIMASA’s commitment to supporting the vision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by empowering young innovators, entrepreneurs, and technology-driven enterprises. We also want to provide a platform for investors to identify young talents and invest in them,” he said.
Mobereola commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for providing a clear policy direction for the sector through the Marine and Blue Economy Policy, describing it as a roadmap for sustainable development, innovation, and investment.
He urged young Nigerians with innovative ideas to seize the opportunity, expressing confidence that the programme would transform creative concepts into thriving businesses, create jobs, and contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth.
The accelerator programme is open to startups and innovators working in strategic areas such as marine waste management and the blue circular economy, aquaculture and sustainable fisheries, maritime technology and logistics innovation, ocean energy, including wave, tidal and offshore renewable energy, marine tourism and coastal recreation, marine biotechnology, ocean data and analytics, green shipping and vessel decarbonisation, smart port solutions, autonomous marine vehicles, biofouling prevention technologies, and coastal resilience through nature-based coastal defence solutions.
NIMASA said the first phase of the programme is expected to attract at least 150 high-quality applications from Nigerian citizens, whether they reside in Nigeria or abroad.
The agency said the initiative will strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global blue economy by promoting innovation, attracting investment, and supporting homegrown solutions that enhance sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness across the maritime industry.
