NIMASA to Launch Hackathon to Drive Youth Innovation in Blue Economy

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is set to launch a maritime hackathon aimed at identifying and supporting young Nigerian innovators developing technology-driven solutions for the maritime sector and blue economy.

The agency disclosed this during its Day at the ongoing 21st Abuja International Trade Fair, where it also engaged young Nigerians through a maritime quiz and rewarded participants who demonstrated knowledge of the sector.

The Director-General of NIMASA, Mr Dayo Mobereola, represented by Mrs Nneka Obiano, said the agency’s participation in the trade fair was aimed at explaining its reforms, programmes and contributions to the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

She said the planned hackathon would provide young Nigerians with innovative ideas and an opportunity to develop solutions to challenges within the maritime sector.

According to her, the initiative would expose participants to opportunities at the intersection of technology, innovation and maritime activities, while helping to build a pipeline of talent for the industry.

NIMASA also used the event to test the knowledge of youths and other visitors on the blue economy, maritime safety, its regulatory mandate and Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Winners and other participants who performed well in the quiz received gifts as part of the agency’s efforts to make the engagement educational and interactive.

Mrs Obiano said the activities reflected the essence of NIMASA Day at the fair, which was to take the maritime conversation directly to Nigerians, explain its relevance to their daily lives and make opportunities in the sector more accessible.

She noted that despite Abuja having no seaport, the maritime sector remains relevant to residents because imported and exported goods passing 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.

On his part, the Head of NIMASA Abuja Zonal Office, Mr Buba Umar, said the agency’s presence at the trade fair was aimed at deepening engagement with the public and stakeholders.

Mr 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.