Get Guardian on GoogleNigeria’s blue economy has received fresh international exposure as the Nigerian Institute of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA), in partnership with Plug and Play, brought Nigerian maritime professionals, startups and industry stakeholders to the 2026 Asia-Pacific Summit in Singapore to explore investment, innovation and business opportunities.
The summit, which attracted startups, investors, industry professionals and technology experts from different parts of the world, provided a platform for Nigerian participants to connect with the Asia-Pacific market, explore strategic partnerships and identify opportunities for the application of emerging technologies to national development.
The engagement also highlighted the growing importance of international collaboration in unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector and strengthening the country’s participation in the global innovation ecosystem.
Speaking during an interview session at the summit, NIMENA National Chairman, Engr. Dr. Sylvanus Eferebo, described the gathering as an important platform for connecting industry players, venture capitalists, startups and other stakeholders whose contributions are critical to the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Eferebo said NIMENA was committed to bridging the gap between government, academia and industry players to establish a common development agenda capable of driving growth in the blue economy.
He noted that collaboration among these sectors was essential to translating innovative ideas, research and technical expertise into practical solutions that would strengthen Nigeria’s maritime and wider energy industries.
According to him, bringing together policymakers, academics, entrepreneurs, investors and professionals would create opportunities for knowledge exchange, technology transfer and investment capable of accelerating development across the sector.
The summit, organised by Plug and Play in partnership with NIMENA, also featured the 2026 cohort of startups developing innovative solutions across critical sectors, including healthcare, identity management, logistics, agriculture and technology.
Their participation provided an opportunity for Nigerian industry stakeholders to examine emerging technologies, explore potential business partnerships and connect innovative enterprises with investors and other international partners.
The engagement was particularly significant for Nigerian startups seeking opportunities beyond the domestic market, as it offered access to an international network of investors, industry experts and technology-driven businesses.
The Nigerian Ambassador to Singapore, who also attended the occasion, commended NIMENA for its efforts in projecting Nigeria positively on the international stage.
The ambassador described the institute’s engagement as an important contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s global presence and creating opportunities for closer collaboration between Nigerian professionals and international industry players.
The summit underscored the importance of international partnerships, innovation and professional collaboration in unlocking opportunities within Nigeria’s blue economy.
It also provided Nigerian maritime stakeholders with an opportunity to connect with global expertise, explore emerging business opportunities and identify practical pathways for applying technology and innovation to national economic development.
For NIMENA, the partnership represents an opportunity to expand Nigeria’s engagement with international markets while positioning its maritime professionals and emerging businesses to participate more actively in the global technology and investment ecosystem.
