NIMASA Opens Innovation Pipeline For Nigerian Youths, Rewards Maritime Quiz Winners

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is set to open applications for an upcoming hackathon aimed at identifying and nurturing young Nigerian innovators whose ideas could contribute to the development of the maritime sector and the blue economy.

The initiative, according to the agency, is designed to provide young Nigerians with an opportunity to develop technology-driven solutions to challenges within the maritime industry and become part of a pipeline of innovators contributing to the sector’s future.

The disclosure was made during NIMASA Day at the Abuja International Trade Fair, where 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 event provided an opportunity for NIMASA to take its message beyond industry stakeholders and engage members of the public, particularly youths, on the relevance of the maritime sector to Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking on behalf of the NIMASA director-general, Dr Dayo Mobereola, at the event, Mrs Nneka Obianyor, director, Reform Coordination, Strategic Management/Blue Economy 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.

She said the planned hackathon would provide a platform for young Nigerians with innovative ideas to participate in solving problems within the maritime space.

The initiative is expected to expose participants to opportunities in areas where technology, innovation and maritime activities intersect, while helping to build a pool of young Nigerians capable of contributing to the sector.

The agency also used the NIMASA Day activities to test the knowledge of youths and other visitors about maritime affairs, with quiz participants answering questions on the blue economy, maritime safety, NIMASA’s regulatory responsibilities and Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Winners and other successful participants were presented with gifts, turning the engagement into both an educational and interactive experience.

The agency said the activities were part of the essence of NIMASA Day at the trade fair: to take the maritime conversation directly to Nigerians, explain how the sector affects their everyday lives and make opportunities within the industry more accessible.

Obiano 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.

She said NIMASA, as the apex maritime regulatory agency, had responsibilities that included maritime safety and security as well as promoting the development of the sector.

She also highlighted the agency’s focus on the blue economy, describing it as an area with opportunities for investment, employment, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Earlier, 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 that could help improve the agency’s regulatory functions.