Nigeria’s maritime sector faces operational inefficiencies, poor management, weak infrastructure and legal frameworks, resulting in an estimated $7 billion loss yearly and defying all efforts. But stakeholders recommend that adopting AI-driven solutions will enhance efficiency, curb corruption, and increase global competitiveness, ADAKU ONYENUCHEYA reports.

While Nigeria’s maritime sector continues to grapple with operational inefficiency, poor infrastructure and management, corruption, weak legislation and significant economic losses, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology holds the key to solving these long-standing issues and unlocking the sector’s full potential.

Last year, the House of Representatives lamented that Nigeria loses an estimated $7 billion yearly as the seaports receive barely 10 per cent of West African imports due to poor management and operational inefficiencies.

The country’s maritime industry suffers from congested ports and lengthy cargo clearance times, leading to delays that cost importers and significant loss of money.

However, experts say embracing AI will transform the country’s maritime industry, enhance efficiency, infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and reduce economic losses, thereby positioning the country as a leading global maritime player.

Experts noted that AI-powered systems can streamline cargo handling processes, predict vessel arrival times more accurately, manage berthing schedules, identify supply chain inefficiencies, maintain infrastructure and curb corruption.

This will enable port authorities to make informed decisions that reduce waiting times and improve cargo throughput at the ports.

The challenges were addressed during the 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NCS) and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute in Abuja.

The Director of the Unit of Maritime Law and Maritime Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Dr Dusty-Lee Donnelly, emphasised AI’s critical role in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the maritime industry, stating that AI can generate $50 billion in yearly savings.

She described the potential of AI for real-time monitoring, route optimisation, and predictive maintenance, which can significantly reduce operational costs in shipping and port operations as well as environmental impact.

She spoke on the theme: “Shipping in the Age of Innovation and Climate Change: The Role of Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Vessels, and Decarbonisation.”

Donnelly highlighted AI’s pivotal role in shaping the future of the maritime industry, adding that African nations must act now to navigate these changes effectively.

She urged policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to develop robust legal frameworks and training programmes to harness the benefits of AI-driven maritime solutions while mitigating their risks.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the future of maritime transport involves the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and data science, including their use in vessel monitoring and tracking, marine robotics, autonomous shipping, and maritime data analytics.

However, experts emphasised that AI systems mitigate economic losses by detecting anomalies in shipping and transaction data, flagging potential fraudulent activities, irregularities in cargo documentation, discrepancies in shipment routes and supply chain inefficiencies, enabling authorities to take swift action against smuggling and theft.

Additionally, AI technologies can facilitate exports by optimising supply chain logistics, reducing delays, and minimising spoilage of perishable goods, which is often a problem for exporters whose goods are rejected.

The Managing Director of NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML), Abdulkadir Ahmed, highlighted AI’s transformative potential in the shipping industry and how AI technologies are poised to revolutionise various aspects of maritime operations.

He said this revolution ranges from navigation to vessel design and maintenance, significantly enhancing efficiency, safety and sustainability.

Ahmed explained that AI can dramatically improve navigation by assisting in the planning and execution of optimal routes, considering factors such as weather, traffic, fuel consumption, port availability, and regulations.

He explained that AI’s ability to monitor and analyse real-time data on a vessel’s performance, condition, and environment can provide alerts and recommendations for corrective actions, paving the way for autonomous vessels that operate with minimal human supervision.

On cargo handling innovations, Ahmed described how sensors, cameras, robots, and drones can streamline loading and unloading processes by identifying, locating, tracking, and moving cargo efficiently.

He said algorithms and data analytics can optimise stowage and distribution, ensuring the best arrangement of containers based on various parameters.

Ahmed said this technology also enhances cargo security and traceability through biometrics, blockchain, and smart contracts, ensuring compliance with customs and regulations.

Ahmed further highlighted AI’s capabilities in maintenance, crucial for preventing and detecting faults.

He said by using sensors, cameras, robots, and drones, AI can monitor and inspect vessel components, performing predictive and preventive maintenance to avoid costly breakdowns.

Speaking on enhanced security and logistics, Ahmed noted that AI technologies can prevent and respond to threats like piracy, terrorism and cyber-attacks through advanced sensors, cameras, and robots.

Moreover, inadequate legislation and poor regulatory compliance have long hindered Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Experts highlighted that AI can support the development of more effective policies and enhance regulatory oversight through capacity building on technologies.

The Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Artificial Intelligence, Fernandez Marcus Obiene, underscored the need for robust regulatory frameworks and continuous professional development.

Speaking on “Optimising Maritime Operations through Advanced Digitalisation,” he said Nigeria is sceptical about full automation, while other countries are more positive, noting that global satellite application systems and control systems play crucial roles in the shipping industry.

Obiene outlined four levels of automation: manual, remotely controlled, semi-autonomous, and fully autonomous, noting that achieving full automation in Nigeria faces regulatory and technical challenges.

He said Nigeria needs to adopt regulatory frameworks to accommodate these technological changes, adding that the shipping and port industry must navigate complex regulations to ensure safe and efficient operations.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Ukeyima Akutah, said the government will invest in automated port systems and deploy AI to enhance service delivery and boost global competitiveness in the maritime industry while meeting the challenges of modern-day maritime business.

Akutah pointed out that the transition to automated systems and AI may pose various challenges, including potential job loss.

He, however, said addressing these concerns entails focusing on capacity building and diversifying knowledge portfolios on the use of AI technologies and autonomous vessels.

The NSC boss noted that investments in maritime education and training would be prioritised for both the judiciary and maritime operators to equip the workforce with the necessary skills for the evolving sector.

“Investment in capacity building, diversification of knowledge portfolios, maritime education, and training will bridge possible gaps opened by the new developments in the maritime sector and shipping business through the deployment of technology, AI and autonomous vessels,” he said.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, stressed the necessity of a robust judiciary amidst the backdrop of globalisation and rapid developments in international trade.

He pointed out that advancements in shipping technology, geopolitical conflicts, and the evolving landscape of maritime law require judicial officers to be well-equipped to resolve maritime disputes efficiently.

The Vice Chancellor of Rayhaan University, Kebbi State, Prof. Mohammed Ahmadu, speaking on the “Legal Implications of Emerging Technology and Automation,” emphasised the need for self-regulation and capacity building in information technology law in the maritime sector.

He stressed the need to regulate technology through self-regulation with legal standards to keep pace with rapidly evolving digital technology in the maritime sector.

Ahmadu said the judiciary must embrace digital legal literacy and automation systems to effectively handle new technologies in the maritime sector, noting that capacity building in universities and the public sector is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by new technologies in the legal domain.

He mentioned that the country’s constitution mandates government support for science and technology development as per Section 18, while Section 37 emphasises the privacy of communications, laying the foundation for automation and AI.