The Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, is promoting the adoption of artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve port efficiency and strengthen cybersecurity across Africa.
The Managing Director of NPA and President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, PMAWCA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this, noting that the authority had developed a port performance benchmarking framework in collaboration with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Dantsoho expressed the NPA’s readiness to share its digital transformation experience with other African port authorities to support improved operations and regional collaboration.
He proposed the establishment of a PMAWCA working group on artificial intelligence and data governance, focusing on cybersecurity and digital resilience.
The NPA chief also urged member ports to identify high-impact artificial intelligence pilot projects with measurable targets and clearly defined implementation teams.
He explained that effective adoption of AI and interconnected digital platforms would require clear guidelines on data ownership, access, sharing and protection.
Dantsoho further stressed the need for technology contracts that promote interoperability and prevent excessive dependence on individual technology providers.
He called for stronger collaboration among port authorities, regulators, terminal operators and technology providers, noting that trust and information sharing were critical to developing smart ports across Africa.
The NPA managing director said progress on the proposed initiatives would be presented at PMAWCA’s next Annual Council in Sipopo, Malabo, reaffirming the authority’s commitment to sharing both its achievements and challenges in Nigeria’s digital transformation.
