The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced plans to launch a Blue Economy Accelerator Programme to identify, nurture, and connect young Nigerian innovators with investors in the maritime and blue economy sectors.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, disclosed this during the celebration of NIMASA Day at the Abuja International Trade Fair.
Mobereola, represented by the Director, Reform Coordination, Strategic Management and Blue Economy, Mrs Nneka Obianyor, added that the initiative was designed to move beyond the agency’s regulatory role and support young Nigerians developing solutions to challenges in the maritime sector.
He explained that the initiative was conceived against the backdrop of Nigeria’s large youth population and the need to support innovative ideas that can contribute to economic development.
According to him, the programme will focus on marine technology, maritime safety, surveillance and security, green shipping and vessel decarbonisation, seafarers’ welfare, port digitalisation, smart port solutions, coastal and artisanal fishing, coastal defence, marine tourism and deep-sea mining technologies.
The DG said the agency’s participation in the trade fair was aimed at explaining its reforms, programmes and initiatives and their impact on the development of the maritime sector and blue economy.
The event provided an opportunity for NIMASA to take its message beyond industry stakeholders and engage members of the public on the relevance of the maritime sector to Nigeria’s economy.
The agency also engaged young visitors through a maritime quiz and rewarded participants who demonstrated knowledge of Nigeria’s maritime sector, blue economy and the agency’s mandate.
The agency said the activities were designed to take the maritime conversation directly to Nigerians, explain how the sector affects their everyday lives and make opportunities within the industry more accessible.
Mobereola explained that although Abuja has no seaport, the maritime sector remains relevant to residents because imported and exported goods passing through Nigeria’s maritime gateways eventually reach consumers and businesses across the country.
He also highlighted the agency’s focus on the blue economy, describing it as an area with opportunities for investment, employment, entrepreneurship and innovation.
The DG recalled the security challenges that previously affected shipping activities in the Gulf of Guinea, noting that piracy had contributed to concerns over vessel traffic, investment and the movement of goods.
He said the enactment of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act in 2019 provided a legal basis for prosecuting piracy offences.
The Head of NIMASA Abuja Zonal Office, Buba Umar, said the agency’s presence at the trade fair was intended to deepen engagement with the public and stakeholders.
He encouraged visitors to interact with NIMASA officials, learn about opportunities in the maritime sector, and provide feedback to help improve the agency’s regulatory functions.