Nigerian Ports Authority's Dantsoho Calls for Cybersecurity Action

Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority and President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, addressed the African Ports Conference in Casablanca, Morocco, highlighting the increasing threat of cyberattacks on port operations and international trade. He called for stronger cybersecurity measures, regional intelligence sharing, and common digital standards across African ports.

Dantsoho referenced significant cyber incidents, including a July 2021 attack on South Africa's Transnet that led to a force majeure declaration, and disruptions in 2023 at the Port of Nagoya and DP World terminals in Australia. He warned that the growing reliance on digital technologies and artificial intelligence in port operations could lead to severe economic disruptions if cybersecurity is not prioritized.

Dantsoho outlined five principles for enhancing cybersecurity at Nigerian ports, including integrating cyber protection into broader security arrangements and training personnel to identify threats.