The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has unveiled the Blue Economy Accelerator Programme, a strategic initiative aimed at identifying, nurturing and fast-tracking innovative start-ups that can drive the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
The programme is designed to attract young innovators with transformative ideas capable of reshaping the country’s maritime ecosystem through technology, entrepreneurship and sustainable solutions. Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, said participants would benefit from structured business development support, industry mentorship and technical guidance to help convert promising concepts into viable businesses capable of addressing key challenges and unlocking opportunities across the blue economy.
“The programme reflects NIMASA’s commitment to supporting 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,” he said.
“We want to provide a platform where investors can identify promising young talents and invest in ideas that will transform the maritime sector.” Mobereola also praised the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for developing the Marine and Blue Economy Policy, describing it as a clear roadmap for the sector’s growth.
He urged young Nigerians to seize the opportunity, saying the initiative has the potential to turn innovative ideas into major investments. Applications are open to start-ups and innovators developing solutions in key areas including marine waste management and the blue circular economy, aquaculture and sustainable fisheries, maritime technology and logistics, ocean energy, marine tourism, marine biotechnology, ocean data and analytics, green shipping and vessel decarbonisation, smart port solutions, autonomous marine vehicles, biofouling prevention technologies, and nature-based coastal defence systems that strengthen resilience to coastal erosion and climate change.
The first phase of the programme is expected to attract at least 150 applications from Nigerians, including those based abroad.