Esther Oritse
Lagos — The Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) has elevated cybersecurity to the forefront of the nation’s maritime development strategy, describing it as a non-negotiable priority as artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly drives global port operations.
Speaking at quarterly meeting held in Lagos, NPCC Chairman, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, said that the need for stronger protection of Nigeria’s maritime digital systems cannot be overemphasized
Sunmola explained that technology is reshaping every aspect of port operations, from vessel traffic management and cargo handling to inspections and regulatory processes.
He however, warned that the rapid deployment of AI also comes with heightened risks, including data breaches, operational breakdowns, and potential attacks on critical infrastructure
As part of the Council’s strategic roadmap for 2026, Sunmola announced the creation of an NPCC Cybersecurity & Digitalisation Taskforce, mandated to develop actionable recommendations for ports and terminals.
He said the Council will also scale up its training initiatives to cover cybersecurity awareness, AI literacy, and data-governance skills for frontline workers, regulators, and operators.
He further disclosed that the NPCC will intensify its support for the National Single Window project to strengthen secure and seamless system integration. In addition, the Council plans to expand engagement with ports outside Lagos to promote balanced digital development across the country’s maritime corridor.
At the meeting, quarterly operational briefings from key maritime stakeholders, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigeria Police Force, among others were received.
The updates according to Sunmola covered port performance, security activities, cargo facilitation and ongoing digitalisation initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and strengthening compliance.
Similarly, Rear Admiral Francis Akpan (Rtd) in his keynote address examined the changing nature of cyber threats in the maritime industry adding that as automation deepens and AI tools become embedded in operations, the sector must strengthen coordination, enhance cyber hygiene and adopt a proactive approach to risk management to avoid disruptions that could cripple trade and national logistics.
Also commenting, the NPCC Vice Chairperson and President of the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere SAN, celebrated Nigeria’s recent election into the Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Governing Council.
Anishere described the achievement as a timely opportunity for the country to reinforce its global maritime influence and urged industry stakeholders to be intentional and unified in driving policies, manpower development and investments that will position Nigeria for stronger competitiveness on the international stage.
