At a recent quarterly meeting held in Lagos, the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) declared that cybersecurity is no longer optional — it must become a core priority for all ports and terminals across the country. The rapid adoption of AI and advanced digital systems in port operations now makes maritime infrastructure vulnerable to cyber-attacks, data breaches, and disruptions that could cripple trade and national security.
According to NPCC’s Chairman, Bolaji Sunmola, technology is no longer a “nice-to-have” at the ports — it sits at the heart of vessel traffic control, cargo handling, inspections, documentation and regulatory workflows. As such, any cybersecurity weakness could threaten the entire maritime supply chain and by extension, the nation’s economy.
Given recent global and local patterns — including increasing digitalization and a growing sophistication of cyber threats — NPCC’s stance reflects a critical awareness: Nigerian ports need to match technological ambition with robust digital defence.
What NPCC Is Doing: Cybersecurity & Digitalisation Taskforce
In response to the rising threat, NPCC has established a dedicated Cybersecurity & Digitalisation Taskforce. The mandate of this new body is to design practical, implementable recommendations to safeguard all ports and terminals nationwide. The taskforce will also layer capacity-building initiatives — including cybersecurity awareness, AI literacy and data-governance training — for frontline workers, regulators and private operators.
This move is part of NPCC’s strategic roadmap for 2026. The aim is to institutionalize cyber-resilient practices in port operations, ensuring that digital transformation does not come at the cost of security.
Further, NPCC plans to deepen support for digital integration projects — such as the national “single window” system — to ensure secure, seamless data exchange across agencies like customs, immigration, shipping regulators and terminal operators. This is expected to foster equitable digital development across all ports, not just in major hubs.
The Stakes: What’s at Risk Without Cybersecurity
The warning from NPCC comes at a time when cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure have surged. For instance, recent reports indicate that many Nigerian organisations now face thousands of attempted cyber intrusions weekly — partly driven by AI-enabled phishing campaigns and multi-vector ransomware attacks.
For ports, the consequences of a breach go far beyond data theft. A cyberattack on a clearance or vessel-management system could paralyze cargo operations, create massive delays, disrupt supply chains, and inflict large economic losses — locally and nationally. A recent incident with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) showed how such attacks can stall cargo clearance, triggering demurrage costs and crippling trade activity.
Moreover, the absence of physical-security safeguards — such as registered tally clerks and on-board security personnel — has already drawn concern from labour groups and maritime operators, who say such gaps leave ports exposed to fraud, theft, and other illicit activities.
Without a strong cybersecurity and broader port-security framework, Nigeria risks undermining its maritime potential — from 24-hour port operations to global-trade competitiveness.
Why This Matters for Nigeria—Beyond Ports
- Economic resilience & global trade competitiveness: Ports are gateways for imports and exports. Disruptions would ripple through trade, industry, and supply-chains nationwide. A port shutdown or disruption due to a cyber-attack can have catastrophic economic fallout.
- National security: Ports handle sensitive data — cargo manifests, ship manifests, regulatory clearances — and often rely on digital systems. If compromised, these could be exploited for smuggling, illicit trade, or create security vulnerabilities at national level.
- Digital-transformation credibility: The embrace of AI and digital tools for efficiency shows ambition — but without security, such tools risk becoming liabilities. NPCC’s move underscores that modernization must go hand in hand with protection.
- Maritime governance & transparency: A secure, properly governed port system helps combat fraud, corruption, and operational inefficiencies. Strengthening cybersecurity and personnel training could build integrity in the maritime sector — boosting investor confidence and regulatory compliance.
What Should Stakeholders Do — and What We Should Watch
For this new cybersecurity push to succeed — and for ports to be safe, stable and competitive — the following are key:
- Implementation of NPCC’s recommendations by port authorities, terminals, and operators — including training, secure infrastructure, and robust digital-security protocols.
- Coordination among agencies (customs, immigration, maritime regulators, security forces) to ensure end-to-end protection — digital and physical.
- Regular audits, penetration testing and system upgrades, especially for critical systems: cargo management, vessel tracking, customs clearance, documentation, etc.
- Awareness and capacity-building: Workers, regulators and private operators should be trained in cyber-hygiene, AI literacy, data governance, and incident response.
- Public-private collaboration: Given the scale and complexity, collaboration between government, industry stakeholders, technology providers, and global partners will be crucial for sustainable cybersecurity architecture.
