By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) will open the application portal for its Blue Economy Accelerator Programme (BEAP) on October 5, 2026, inviting young Nigerians aged 18 to 28 with innovative ideas to participate in the national initiative.
According to a statement signed by Osagie Edward, FNIPR, Deputy Director/Head, Public Relations, NIMASA, the programme is designed to identify, nurture and support young innovators with solutions capable of addressing challenges and creating opportunities within Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sectors.
Speaking on the programme, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the initiative reflects the Agency’s commitment to engaging young Nigerians in the development of the blue economy through innovation, entrepreneurship and technology.
Mobereola said Nigeria’s maritime sector has significant potential for economic growth, job creation and national development, adding that unlocking this potential requires fresh ideas, technological innovation and the active participation of young people.
“The future of Nigeria’s blue economy will be built on ideas, innovation, enterprise and collaboration,” he said.
The NIMASA-BEAP application portal will remain open from October 5 to November 13, 2026, after which applications will undergo evaluation and due diligence between November 16 and December 2.
Successful applicants will participate in the National Innovation Hackathon scheduled for December 8–10, 2026. The selected innovators will thereafter proceed to a 12-week accelerator programme in the first quarter of 2027.
The programme is expected to culminate in a National Demo Day in the second quarter of 2027, where participants will showcase their solutions, demonstrate their progress and explore opportunities for partnerships and enterprise development.
NIMASA encouraged eligible Nigerians aged 18–28 with innovative solutions relevant to the maritime and blue economy sectors to take advantage of the initiative and submit their applications when the portal opens.
The Agency reiterated its commitment to fostering innovation, empowering young entrepreneurs and supporting solutions that can contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria’s blue economy.
