NIMASA World Maritime Day Essay Competition 2026 for Nigerian Students | Apply Now
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is organizing the World Maritime Day Essay Competition 2026 to commemorate this year’s World Maritime Day.
The competition offers education grants of up to ₦1 million, along with laptops, plaques and other awards for successful participants.
Competition Summary
- Host Country: Nigeria
- Category: Essay Competition
- Eligible Applicants: Nigerian students
- Eligible Institutions: Nigerian tertiary institutions
- Prize: Up to ₦1,000,000 Education Grant + Laptop + Plaque
- Deadline: September 24, 2026
Also Apply: INEC Ad Hoc Staff Recruitment 2027, Requirements, Eligibility, Available Positions and How to Apply
About the NIMASA Essay Competition
The NIMASA World Maritime Day Essay Competition is organized to commemorate the 2026 World Maritime Day under the theme:
“From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence!”
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is responsible for regulating aspects of Nigeria’s maritime industry, including shipping, maritime labour and related coastal activities. The agency also carries out maritime inspections and supports search and rescue operations.
World Maritime Day is observed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its member states to highlight the importance of shipping safety, maritime security, protection of the marine environment, seafarers and other areas of the IMO’s work.
Also Apply: How to apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2027
NIMASA Essay Competition 2026 Requirements
To participate in the competition, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- The competition is open to Year 1 and Year 2 students of Nigerian tertiary institutions.
- Participants must submit bona fide proof of studentship along with their essays.
- Proof of studentship should include a letter of admission and institutional identity card.
- Essays must be submitted to both wmdessay@nimasa.gov.ng and mail@samuelson.com.ng.
- Essays must be a maximum of 1,200 words, plus or minus 10%.
- Essays must be double-spaced, prepared in Microsoft Word and use font size 12.
- Plagiarism will not be accepted.
- Essays must end with the participant’s full name, telephone number and email address.
- Essays that do not comply with the stated guidelines may be disqualified.
- Only successful participants will be contacted.
Essay Topic
The essay topic for the 2026 competition is:
“From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence!”
The topic aligns with the theme of the 2026 World Maritime Day.
Prizes and Awards
Successful participants will receive the following education grants and awards:
- 1st Prize: ₦1,000,000 Education Grant + Laptop + Plaque + Publication of the winning essay in NIMASA’s The VOYAGE magazine and on the NIMASA website.
- 2nd Prize: ₦750,000 Education Grant + Laptop + Plaque.
- 3rd Prize: ₦500,000 Education Grant + Laptop + Plaque.
- Seven Consolation Awards: ₦300,000 Education Grant + Plaque each.
The total value of the listed education grants is ₦4.35 million, excluding laptops and plaques.
Also Apply: ECOWAS Volunteer Programme 2026 Application Form | Requirements and How to Apply
How to Apply
Interested and eligible students should:
- Write an original essay addressing the competition topic.
- Edit, review and proofread the essay to ensure it meets all requirements.
- Prepare the essay in the required Microsoft Word format.
- Include the required proof of studentship.
- Add your full name, telephone number and email address at the end of the essay.
- Send the completed essay to both:
Applicants should ensure that their submissions comply with all competition guidelines before sending them.
Selection and Award Timeline
- Winners are expected to be notified within two weeks after the application deadline.
- The date for the presentation of prizes and awards will be announced later.
Application Deadline: September 24, 2026