NPA's Dantsoho Warns of Cyber Threats to Nigerian Ports

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), under the leadership of Managing Director Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has issued a warning regarding the rising threat of cyberattacks on Nigerian ports, which could disrupt cargo movement and international trade, leading to significant economic losses for Nigeria and other African nations. This concern was articulated at the African Ports Conference held in Casablanca, Morocco.

Dantsoho, who is also the President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), highlighted that the increasing use of artificial intelligence and interconnected digital platforms exposes ports to serious security vulnerabilities. He cited past cyber incidents affecting ports in South Africa, Japan, and Australia as examples of the potential impact.

Dantsoho outlined five priorities for enhancing cybersecurity at Nigerian ports, including improving physical security, separating operational systems from administrative networks, and enforcing security standards among technology partners. He also mentioned a $1 billion modernization program aimed at strengthening maritime infrastructure and incorporating secure digital systems.