NIMASA launches Blue Economy Accelerator to drive maritime innovation

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched the Blue Economy Accelerator Programme (BEAP) and a National Innovation Hackathon. These initiatives aim to attract young innovators and entrepreneurs into Nigeria’s maritime sector to stimulate growth and secure private-sector investment.

NIMASA Director-General Dr. Dayo Mobereola noted that Nigeria currently captures less than three percent of the value moving through its waters, describing the maritime economy as a multi-billion naira frontier for economic diversification and job creation. The programme is designed to provide a structured platform for startups to develop solutions for the maritime and blue economy value chain.

During the launch in Lagos, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola emphasized a shift in government role from pure regulation to acting as a catalyst for innovation. The Minister called on commercial banks to create dedicated lending windows and urged development finance institutions to utilize green bonds and blended finance to support emerging maritime businesses.