The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) will soon open applications for a maritime hackathon aimed at identifying and supporting young Nigerian innovators with technology-driven solutions for the maritime sector and the blue economy.
NIMASA made the disclosure during its Day at the ongoing 21st Abuja International Trade Fair, where the agency also engaged youths through a maritime quiz and rewarded participants who demonstrated knowledge of the sector.
The agency said the initiative is designed to build a pipeline of young innovators capable of contributing to the future growth of the industry.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who was represented by Mrs Nneka Obiano, said the agency’s participation in the trade fair was to explain its reforms, programmes and their impact on the development of the maritime industry.
She said the planned hackathon would provide a platform for young Nigerians with innovative ideas to develop solutions to challenges within the maritime space.
According to her, the initiative will expose participants to opportunities where technology, innovation and maritime activities intersect, while building a pool of talent for the sector.
The agency used the event to test the knowledge of youths and other visitors on the blue economy, maritime safety, NIMASA’s regulatory mandate and Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Winners and other participants who performed well in the quiz were presented with gifts, making the engagement both educational and interactive.
Obiano said the activities reflected the essence of NIMASA Day at the fair, which is to take the maritime conversation directly to Nigerians, explain its relevance to their daily lives and make opportunities in the industry more accessible.
She noted that although Abuja has no seaport, the maritime sector remains relevant to residents because imported and exported goods that pass through the nation’s seaports eventually reach consumers and businesses across the country.
She said NIMASA, as the apex maritime regulatory agency, is responsible for maritime safety, security and sector development, with increasing focus on harnessing opportunities in the blue economy for investment, employment and entrepreneurship.
Earlier, the Head of NIMASA Abuja Zonal Office, Mr. Buba Umar, said the agency’s presence at the trade fair was to deepen engagement with the public and stakeholders.
Umar urged visitors to interact with NIMASA officials at its exhibition stand, learn about opportunities in the maritime sector and provide feedback to improve the agency’s regulatory functions.