The growing digitalisation of ports in West Africa is creating new operational risks, including the threat of cyberattacks. As vessel scheduling, cargo clearance, and terminal operations become increasingly dependent on digital systems, port operators are being warned that cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, but an operational one. A successful cyberattack could disrupt terminal operating systems, prevent cargo from being released, or interfere with truck access.
The Port of Los Angeles offers a model for collective cybersecurity. In 2014, the port established a Cyber Security Operations Centre to protect its own systems. In 2021, it added a Cyber Resilience Centre, which brings together port stakeholders to share threat intelligence and strengthen collective resilience. This approach is based on the principle that an attack detected by one part of the port should not have to be discovered independently by everyone else.
The Los Angeles model is relevant to West African ports, which are also developing digital systems across their operations. Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and The Gambia are all investing in digital infrastructure, including vessel traffic technology and electronic truck-management systems. However, as these systems become more interconnected, the importance of coordination and collective cybersecurity is growing.
Abidjan’s ISO/IEC 27001 certification provides a stronger documented information-security foundation than many of its regional counterparts. However, the next step is to extend this institutional capability into a system for sharing threat intelligence and coordinating cyber incidents across the wider port community. Nigeria has an opportunity to develop a national framework that connects its ports and brings together terminal operators, shipping lines, and logistics companies.
A national framework in Nigeria could connect Lagos, Tin Can, Lekki, and the eastern ports, while bringing together terminal operators, shipping lines, customs, logistics companies, and critical technology providers. This would not require a major technology investment at the outset. Ports can begin by identifying critical digital dependencies, establishing a cyber-resilience council, and conducting joint incident-response exercises.
The development of local technology that connects physical movement with digital decision-making across the logistics chain is also crucial. Nigerian companies, such as WATT, are already working on intelligent mobility systems that connect truck appointments, gate access, and yard operations. As these systems become operationally critical, resilience has to be designed into them.
The broader industry lesson is clear: ports should stop thinking about cybersecurity only in terms of protecting individual networks. They need to understand the dependencies between those networks and the operational consequences when one of them fails. West African ports now need to answer the question of how quickly they will respond when something goes wrong.
Key points
- West African ports are being urged to adopt a collective approach to cybersecurity.
- The Port of Los Angeles offers a model for collective cybersecurity.
- A national framework in Nigeria could connect its ports and bring together terminal operators, shipping lines, and logistics companies.
