NPCC Elevates Cybersecurity to Top Priority in the Maritime Sector

The Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) has placed cybersecurity at the heart of Nigeria’s maritime development agenda, declaring it essential for safeguarding ports’ digital infrastructure as Artificial Intelligence reshapes operations nationwide.

At its Strategic Quarterly Meeting on Friday, NPCC Chairman Bolaji Sunmola warned that the increasing use of automated systems from vessel-traffic management to cargo handling and regulatory inspections brings with it heightened vulnerability to cyberattacks, data breaches, and threats to national security.

To address this, NPCC announced the formation of a new Cybersecurity & Digitalisation Taskforce, tasked with drafting practical guidelines for ports and terminals. The initiative will also roll out expanded training for frontline staff in cybersecurity awareness, AI literacy, and data governance.

The council said it will deepen support for the national National Single Window project ensuring secure and seamless integration of digital systems across ports. It also pledged to extend its cybersecurity efforts beyond Lagos by engaging ports across Nigeria’s maritime corridor.

During the meeting, retired Rear-Admiral Francis Akpan delivered a keynote address highlighting the evolving nature of cyber threats in maritime operations, and called for coordinated national action and rigorous cyber-hygiene practices to prevent disruptions that could cripple commerce and logistics.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola