By Charles Pemu 
The Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) has issued a definitive warning that cybersecurity is an urgent and non-negotiable priority for the nation’s maritime sector, cautioning that Nigeria cannot afford vulnerabilities as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced digital systems increasingly define global port operations.
Speaking at the Council’s quarterly meeting in Lagos, NPCC Chairman, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, articulated that technology now sits at the heart of modern port management, controlling vessel traffic, cargo handling, documentation, and regulatory workflows. However, he stressed that the rapid deployment of digital platforms exposes the ports to sophisticated cyber threats capable of crippling international trade.
To immediately address this rising security risk, Sunmola announced the establishment of a dedicated NPCC Cybersecurity & Digitalisation Taskforce. This new body has been mandated to produce practical, implementable recommendations for strengthening security preparedness across ports and terminals nationwide, forming a core part of the Council’s 2026 strategic roadmap.
The Chairman also disclosed plans to significantly expand the NPCC’s capacity-building initiatives to include essential training in cybersecurity awareness, AI literacy, and data-governance for frontline workers, regulators, and private operators. Sunmola emphasized that complementary improvements in human capacity are crucial to supporting the existing investments in digital infrastructure.
Sunmola reaffirmed the NPCC’s strong commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s National Single Window project, describing it as a vital step toward the secure and seamless integration of port systems across the country. He added that the Council will intensify its engagement with ports outside Lagos to promote inclusive digital development along the entire maritime corridor.
The meeting featured detailed operational briefings from key maritime agencies, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC). In his keynote address, Rear Admiral Francis Akpan (Rtd) underscored the urgency of the situation, stressing that as automation deepens, Nigeria must embrace proactive risk management and strengthen inter-agency coordination to protect its vital trade arteries from emerging cyber risks.