Nigerian maritime leaders urge policy shifts and cybersecurity focus

Leaders in the Nigerian maritime sector are calling for strategic reforms to address logistics inefficiencies and digital vulnerabilities. Hon. Olubunmi Olumekun, President of the Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN), has urged the Federal Government to prioritize water transportation to alleviate port congestion and reduce cargo costs. He noted that relying heavily on road haulage increases logistics expenses and undermines job creation, whereas a single barge can transport over 30 containers, offering a more efficient alternative to trucks.

Simultaneously, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, warned that the integration of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in port operations could expose African nations to significant economic disruptions. Speaking at the African Ports Conference, Dantsoho emphasized that cybersecurity must be treated as a core component of maritime security to prevent attacks from interrupting trade and undermining supply chain reliability. He advocated for regional intelligence sharing and common digital standards across African ports to mitigate these growing threats.