NIMENA takes Nigerian startups global with maritime, energy innovation night in Singapore

Nigeria’s push to position its innovation ecosystem on the global stage is gaining momentum, as the Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA) had unveiled plans to showcase homegrown startups to international investors in Singapore.

The initiative, themed “NIMENA Innovation Night,” is scheduled for April 24, 2026, and is expected to convene global venture capitalists, technology investors, policymakers and high-growth startups, in a strategic move to deepen Nigeria’s footprint in maritime and energy innovation.

In a press release issued by NIMENA on Monday and signed by its National General Secretary, Engr. Dr. Azubuike John Chuku, the institution said the event would hold at The Great Room, Centennial Tower, Singapore, as part of efforts to connect Nigerian innovators with global markets, capital and advanced ecosystems.

The statement noted that the event would serve as a high-level platform to showcase innovative Nigerian startups across marine, offshore and energy sectors, while facilitating direct engagement with investors, promoting international partnerships and strengthening Nigeria’s position within the global blue economy.

The National Chairman of NIMENA, Engr. Dr. Eferebo I. Sylvanus, described the initiative as a defining moment for the country’s maritime and energy sectors, noting that it aligns with broader efforts to reposition Nigeria towards an innovation-driven economy.

“This event represents a defining moment for Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors. We are creating a global bridge that connects Nigerian innovation to international capital, technology, and opportunity. It is about repositioning Nigeria from a resource-dependent economy to an innovation-driven maritime nation,” he said.

He said the programme forms part of a wider global acceleration effort designed to link Nigerian startups to investment pipelines, foster technology transfer and unlock opportunities within international innovation ecosystems.

The institution further stated that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda, which seeks to drive sustainable growth, enhance local content development, create jobs and stimulate industrial expansion.

It added that the event is expected to attract foreign direct investment into Nigerian startups, promote indigenous solutions and support youth-driven innovation, while strengthening the country’s competitiveness in the global maritime sector.

NIMENA also disclosed that invitations have been extended to key stakeholders, including government agencies, professional bodies, diplomatic missions and international partners, with expectations that the engagement would catalyse long-term collaborations to accelerate growth across Nigeria’s maritime and energy innovation landscape.