The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is sponsoring the 2026 World Maritime Day Essay Competition, organised by SAMUELSON, to commemorate World Maritime Day and encourage young Nigerians to engage with important issues affecting the maritime sector.
The competition is open to Year 1 and Year 2 students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, including students of maritime academies and universities.
Participants stand a chance to win education grants of up to ₦1,000,000, laptops and award plaques.
The essay competition is designed to:
The competition commemorates World Maritime Day, which is observed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its member states to draw attention to the importance of:
The 2026 World Maritime Day theme is:
“From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
The theme has also been selected by the IMO for World Maritime Day activities in 2026 and 2027.
Participants are required to write an essay on the following topic:
Applicants are expected to discuss the gap between maritime policies and their practical implementation. Essays should demonstrate critical thinking and may propose realistic solutions for improving maritime excellence in Nigeria.
The competition is open to:
Applicants must be able to provide valid proof of studentship from their institution.
Applicants must submit an essay that follows all the competition guidelines.
The requirements include:
Essays that do not follow the guidelines may be disqualified.
Applicants should prepare the following documents and materials before submitting their entries:
Applicants must scan and submit bona fide proof that they are currently enrolled students.
The proof should include:
The essay must end with:
Applicants should ensure that their contact details are accurate because winners will be notified using the information provided.
Completed essays and supporting proof of studentship must be sent to both of the following email addresses:
Applicants should confirm that the essay and supporting documents have been attached before sending the email.
The competition offers five main prizes and seven consolation awards.
The first-place winner will receive:
The second-place winner will receive:
The third-place winner will receive:
Seven consolation winners will each receive:
| Position | Award |
|---|---|
| 1st Prize | ₦1,000,000 education grant, laptop and award plaque |
| 2nd Prize | ₦750,000 education grant, laptop and award plaque |
| 3rd Prize | ₦500,000 education grant, laptop and award plaque |
| 7 Consolation Awards | ₦300,000 education grant each and a certificate |
The grants are described as education grants and should not be interpreted as guaranteed full tuition scholarships.
All submitted essays will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges comprising professors from reputable Nigerian universities.
The selection process will take place in stages.
All entries will be assessed by the judging panel based on the quality of the essays and compliance with the competition requirements.
A total of 20 finalists will be shortlisted from the entries received.
The 20 shortlisted finalists will participate in a final physical test at the UBA Head Office in Lagos.
The top five winners will be selected based on the quality of their essays.
In addition to the five main winners, seven participants will receive consolation awards.
Applicants should take note of the following:
The deadline for the 2026 World Maritime Day Essay Competition is:
Late entries will not be considered.
Winners will be notified shortly after the deadline. The date for the presentation of prizes and awards will be communicated to the winners.
Ensure that you are a Nigerian Year 1 or Year 2 student of a tertiary institution, maritime academy or university.
Write an original essay on:
“From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
Ensure that your essay follows the required word count, formatting and originality rules.
Scan your:
At the end of the essay, include your:
Email your essay and supporting documents to both:
and
Ensure your entry is submitted no later than:
September 24, 2026
The competition is:
NIMASA is Nigeria’s apex agency responsible for the development, regulation and administration of the maritime sector.
Its mission includes promoting:
The official NIMASA website describes the agency as responsible for regulating and promoting the Nigerian maritime industry, including maritime safety, security, capacity development and industry growth.
The NIMASA World Maritime Day Essay Competition 2026 gives Nigerian tertiary students an opportunity to explore maritime policy, propose practical solutions and compete for education grants, laptops and recognition.
Eligible Year 1 and Year 2 students should prepare their original essays, attach valid proof of studentship and submit their entries to both required email addresses before the September 24, 2026 deadline.
Deadline: September 24, 2026
First Prize: ₦1,000,000 education grant, laptop and award plaque
Eligibility: Nigerian Year 1 and Year 2 tertiary students
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