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NIMASA UNVEILS STARTUP PROGRAMME TO BOOST INNOVATION IN NIGERIA’S BLUE ECONOMY
By Prince Benson Davies
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has rolled out a new initiative to support young entrepreneurs and startups working to unlock opportunities in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
The programme, called the Blue Economy Accelerator Programme, is designed to identify promising ideas, provide structured support, and help founders turn concepts into investable businesses that address challenges across the maritime sector.
Speaking on the initiative, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the Agency wants to create a pipeline of innovative solutions that can drive sustainable growth in oceans, coastal areas and inland waterways. He noted that the focus is on young Nigerians with ideas that can transform how the country manages marine resources, logistics, energy and environmental protection.
According to Dr. Mobereola, selected participants will receive business development training, mentorship from industry experts, and technical guidance. He explained that the goal is to move ideas beyond the concept stage and into ventures that can attract investment and deliver real impact.
The DG linked the programme to the broader agenda of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. He commended the Hon. Minister, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, for providing a clear policy direction through the codification of the Marine and Blue Economy Policy. Dr. Mobereola said the roadmap gives institutions like NIMASA a framework to align programmes that grow the sector and create jobs.
“NIMASA is committed to implementing the Ministry’s vision by empowering young innovators and technology-driven enterprises,” he said. “We also want to provide a platform where investors can meet talented young Nigerians and support them to scale.”
He urged young people to take advantage of the opportunity, stressing that raw talent be converted into viable businesses with the right support system.
Applications are now open to Nigerian citizens building solutions across multiple areas. The priority sectors include Marine Waste Management and the Blue Circular Economy; Aquaculture and Sustainable Fisheries; Maritime Technology and Logistics Innovation; Ocean Energy such as wave, tidal and offshore renewables; Marine Tourism and Coastal Recreation; Marine Biotechnology; Ocean Data and Analytics; Green Shipping and Vessel Decarbonization; Smart Port Solutions; Autonomous Marine Vehicles; Biofouling Prevention Technologies; and Coastal Resilience through nature-based defence solutions.
NIMASA said it expects to receive at least 150 quality applications in the first phase of the programme, both from within Nigeria and from Nigerians in the diaspora.
The Agency added that the accelerator will run in phases, with support structured to help startups test, refine and commercialize their solutions for the domestic and regional market.
