The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is set to launch a maritime hackathon aimed at identifying and supporting young Nigerians with 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 youths through a maritime quiz and rewarded participants who demonstrated knowledge of the sector.
NIMASA said the hackathon was designed to create a pipeline of young innovators capable of developing solutions to challenges confronting the maritime industry and contributing to its future growth.
The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, represented by Mrs Nneka Obiano, said the agency’s participation in the trade fair was aimed at explaining its reforms, programmes and their impact on the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Obiano said the planned hackathon would provide young Nigerians with a platform to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions for challenges in the maritime space.
According to her, the initiative would expose participants to opportunities at the intersection of technology, innovation and maritime activities, while helping to build a pool of skilled talent for the sector.
The agency also used the event to test the knowledge of youths and other visitors on the blue economy, maritime safety, NIMASA’s regulatory mandate and the Nigerian maritime industry.
Winners and other outstanding participants in the quiz received gifts, making the engagement both educational and interactive.
Obiano said the activities reflected the essence of NIMASA Day at the trade fair, which was to take the maritime conversation directly to Nigerians, explain the sector’s relevance to their daily lives and make opportunities within the industry more accessible.
She noted that despite Abuja’s lack of a seaport, the maritime sector remained relevant to residents because goods imported into or exported from Nigeria through the nation’s seaports eventually reach consumers and businesses across the country.
She said NIMASA, as the country’s apex maritime regulatory agency, is responsible for maritime safety, security and sector development, with increasing attention on harnessing the blue economy for investment, employment and entrepreneurship.
Earlier, the Head of NIMASA Abuja Zonal Office, Mr Buba Umar, said the agency’s participation in the trade fair was aimed at deepening engagement with the public and stakeholders.
Umar urged visitors to interact with NIMASA officials at its exhibition stand, learn more about opportunities in the maritime sector and provide feedback that could help improve the agency’s regulatory functions.
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