The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has announced its 2026 World Maritime Day Essay Competition, giving eligible students an opportunity to win cash prizes, laptops and grants.
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The competition is open to Year One and Year Two students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, including maritime academies and universities.
The essay topic is “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” The competition is designed to encourage young Nigerians to examine maritime policies and how they can be translated into practical actions that strengthen the country’s maritime sector.
The initiative is intended to create awareness, encourage youth participation and generate practical ideas for improving Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The top winner will receive a N1,000,000 education grant, a laptop and an award plaque. The second-place winner will receive a N750,000 education grant, a laptop and an award plaque, while the third-place winner will receive a N500,000 education grant, a laptop and an award plaque.
Seven other participants will receive consolation awards of N300,000 education grants each and certificates.
Participants are required to follow the competition guidelines, as essays that do not meet the stated requirements may be disqualified.
Applicants must submit bona fide proof of studentship alongside their essays. The proof should include documents such as a letter of admission and an identity card from the institution.
The essay must not exceed 1,200 words, with a permitted variation of plus or minus 10 per cent. It should be double-spaced and prepared using Microsoft Word with font size 12.
The organisers also warned that plagiarism will not be accepted and the use of artificial intelligence in preparing the essay is prohibited.
Each entry must end with the participant’s name, telephone number and email address. Essays are to be sent to both wmdessay@nimasa.gov.ng and mail@samuelson.com.ng.
The deadline for submission is September 24, 2026, and late entries will not be considered. Winners will be notified after the deadline, while the date for presentation of prizes and awards will be communicated to participants.
The competition is being organised to commemorate the 2026 World Maritime Day and is expected to give students an opportunity to engage with issues affecting maritime development in Nigeria.
Interested students should review all requirements before submitting their entries. Meeting the word limit, providing proof of studentship and following the submission instructions are important parts of the application process.
How to Apply
Eligible Year One and Year Two students should prepare their essays on the topic “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” attach bona fide proof of studentship, and send their entries to wmdessay@nimasa.gov.ng and mail@samuelson.com.ng before the September 24, 2026 deadline. Participants should ensure their entries meet stated guidelines.
