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Satellite Technology is Ready When Needed for Border, Port & Maritime Security

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By Andrew Aroh

We are still trying to figure out a lot of things in terms of threats, vulnerabilities and the integration of resources. We need to ensure that the satellite realm is recognized as critical infrastructure.

Satellite is a technology, which plays a critical role already, but most often omitted from formal discussions, and this is a huge problem.

Satellite communications is rarely mentioned as a specific solution or recommendation that spells out the need for improved communications and interoperability. There are instances, however, where attention is focused on a possible satellite solution such as border, port and maritime security. Recall the long-range vessel tracking system. In this case, we develop and implement a long-range automatic vessel tracking system for all vessels in Nigeria waters that are equipped with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System or equivalent satellite technology. The system shall be designed to provide the safety agencies or the authority the capability of receiving information on vessel positions at interval positions appropriate to deter transportation security incidents.

The above underscores the pivotal role of satellite technology at sea, and offers a possible way to solve the vessel tracking puzzle, which is an important dimension of port and maritime security under a much broader concept known as maritime Domain Awareness [MDA] as well as the system known as the Universal Shipborne Automated Identification System [AIS].

SECURING CARGO AND PORTS:

  • The goal here is to increase security throughout the entire international logistics chain by implementing security verification techniques. Building security into the global supply chain is a huge challenge.
  • By expanding the role of satellite based systems such as GPS, AIS and the vessel Monitoring system, we can reinforce and extend our existing security verification techniques. Satellite technology is essential to making key elements of overall MDA system work.
  • AIS a top priority which has been kicked into high gear by MDA. As a GPS-based system, AIS does include a possible long range interface with a satellite feed, for example.

The International Maritime Organization [IMO] is speeding up required carriage of AIS as well.

We have to have sufficient transparency and be able to verify low risk cargo as we go about building more confidence into our maritime and port security apparatus in general.

The process of tracking cargo as it moves along throughout complex intermodal transportation system mandates that we move our borders out, and provide security that moves with the box or container in question.

  • Although satellite enjoys general recognition in terms of the key role it can play here, satellite is not going to happen without real advocacy. A good paper trial has to be wrapped around a regulatory model to drive more innovations in the maritime domain. This will enable the exploration of new technology such as electronic seals, vessel tracking and electronic notification of vessel arrivals.
  • There is a growing interest in the use of satellites and GPS and global location systems to track the movement of cargo in real time. We are aware several companies have piloted advanced devices such as transponders and electronic seals, which when used with satellite technology, can pinpoint the location of a truck chassis, container, truck, ship or railcar in real time.

While the results of these demonstrations have been promising, we have also seen that this technology is feasible in a complex, commercial supply chain, on a practical as well as on an economic level.

Testing of satellite technology also upholds the devices for their ability to withstand the rigors of the commercial sea container/port environment, the effectiveness of the communication infrastructure, and their scalability, with the goal of developing requirements and protocols that can be commercialized within a competitive marketplace.

  • While satellite technology is able to assist maritime security, primarily in terms of tracking ships or cargo consignments, resources could be a problem.

Again, it would be inordinately expensive to track everything, and would create a blockage nightmare as well.

However, if some sort of compromise over the level of blockage can be achieved, there is much promise in satellite technology.

  • Remember, success will be very much reduced if some sort of tracking is not introduced for at least suspect vessels. So satellites would help very much, but again, depending upon the resources available. The Coast Guard [as the only resource] will certainly be stretched to do this vessel tracking job in a thorough manner.

BORDER PATROL LINKED VIA SATELLITE:

As for the nation’s borders, and the role of satellite technology in such programs as Smart Border Initiative, the National Transportation Security Plan and the National Land Border Security Plan, the door remains wide open. This is because for the large states, Cellular Digital Packet Data [CDPD] or Radio Frequency [RF] is not viable options.

  • Therefore, we need the applications of satellite for data transfer. We can implement a limited number of satellite voice units to supplement regular radios in fringe coverage areas.

Absolutely, the recommendation is that the federal Government should spend more money to equip state law enforcement agencies in rural Border States with more satellite equipment [linked to NigComSat-1R] both for routine use as well as for enhanced border security purposes. Note that the border is one of the areas where we have the weakest coverage utilizing our existing radio technology. Hence any activity we participate with in those areas should see the benefit of satellite technology regardless of whether it is border security, search & Rescue or our other law enforcement missions.

  • In every state, we can start with two vans assigned to perform commercial vehicle enforcement tasks equipped with two-way satellite terminals that can be used for dispatch as well as to instantaneously access driver and vehicle data anywhere in the state, including its remote border region. With the satellite technology, one can quickly check all the paperwork, validate the driver and verify that any Department of Transportation permits are valid, if required. One goal here is to simply increase monitoring presence in this remote and scarcely populated region both for safety and security purposes. The cost and ease of use of satellite gear are important considerations as well. There is no question that commercial vehicle enforcement activities represent a critical part of the overall plan to enhance border protection.

SATELLITE IMAGERY CONTROL:

  • Besides making sure that satellite technology is used in the most effective way to protect borders, coasts, and port, government and military officials must also ensure that any group seeking to do harm does not gain access to high-resolution satellite imagery.
  • We need policies for prohibiting the release of imagery beyond a certain resolution such as the guidelines provided by the appropriate security department, notification when an image crosses an international boundary, or when such a request is made by a person or group.

There is thus, a great need for effective and efficient schemes for facilitating such controlled dissemination of satellite imagery and the information products generated from it.

  • Experts in the area of information systems security have access control model for high-resolution satellite image databases.

Commercial Satellite Organizations should proactively address sensitive satellite-related issues such as the fact that image collection or distribution must be constrained where there is an immediate and substantial threat to national security or foreign policy commitment.

FUTURE SOLUTIONS VIA SATELLITE:

Reliable and affordable satellite solutions are reliable and most can be quickly obtained as off the shell, commercial satellite products.

Enhancing border, port and maritime security may require the creation of novel hybrid solutions which can be useful to multiple agencies. Using the broad footprint of satellites, along with the proven reliability of satellite-based solutions can be brought to bear quickly on a variety of security-related objectives.

Andrew Aroh is President SSPI Nigeria


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MasterCard Predicts Africa’s AI Market to Soar to $16.5Bn by 2030

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A new MasterCard report has predicted that Africa’s AI economy will more than triple in five years, reaching $16.5 billion by 2030 from $4.5 billion in 2025.

The whitepaper by the global payments technology company, with a presence in over 50 African countries, identifies responsible adoption, stronger data infrastructure, and aggressive skills development as the three pillars that will determine who benefits.

Mark Elliott, division president for Africa at MasterCard, emphasised that Africa stands at an inflection point, where smart technologies have the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives.

He likened AI’s potential to the continent’s leap into mobile money, which bypassed traditional banking infrastructure and brought millions into the financial system.

“Digital innovation, particularly AI, can drive real change on the ground by empowering communities and building a future where everyone participates in the new economy,” Elliott said.

The in-depth study flags several African frontrunners in AI adoption. South Africa tops the list, blending advanced infrastructure with strong research capabilities. It points out that Kenya is making strides with practical AI solutions, from credit scoring to healthcare services in local languages.

Nigeria’s vibrant start-up scene also gets a strong mention for attracting significant venture capital, while Morocco’s strong push in healthcare, agriculture, and energy, underpinned by bold national digital strategies, is another key driver.

Elliott stressed that success depends on powering electricity access, digitisation, and ensuring AI is fuelled by diverse, high-quality local data.

He added that inclusive transformation needs everyone involved, from small businesses to large corporations, policymakers, and communities. “The only good AI is responsible AI,” said Elliot.

Greg Ulrich, MasterCard’s chief AI and data officer, said Africa’s relationship with technology is one of active innovation, pointing to mobile payments as a homegrown success.

“AI is accelerating this transformation, reshaping how people live, work, and connect,” he said. Ulrich described MasterCard’s fraud detection systems, trained in cities like Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, as proof that global expertise and local talent can combine to deliver secure, real-time services.

He also cautioned that with scale comes responsibility. “Trust is earned, one transaction at a time,” Ulrich said.

He believes that with one of the world’s youngest populations, Africa’s next challenge is turning strategy into delivery, building infrastructure, nurturing talent, and ensuring AI lifts all communities.

 


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Huawei Hosts MTN MIP Fellows for Immersive Tech Experience in Lagos

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L-R: Isaac Ogugua-Ezechukwu, Programs Administrator, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University; Blessings Mosugu, Vice President, MTN Media Innovation Programme Cohort 4; Gavin Geng Xiaoyan, Director of Solution Sales\Chief Technical Officer, Huawei; Vanessa Ukamaka Richard, Secretary, MTN MIP Cohort 4 and Dr Chike Mgbeadichie, Programs Director, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University, during the July session of the MTN Media Innovation Program held at the Huawei office in Victoria Island, recently.
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The fellows of MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) Cohort 4 recently embarked on an immersive tour of Huawei’s Innovation Center, Cloud Service Centre, and Network Support Centre in Lagos, as part of their ongoing industry exposure sessions.

L-R: Isaac Ogugua-Ezechukwu, Programs Administrator, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University; Blessings Mosugu, Vice President, MTN Media Innovation Programme Cohort 4; Gavin Geng Xiaoyan, Director of Solution Sales\Chief Technical Officer, Huawei; Vanessa Ukamaka Richard, Secretary, MTN MIP Cohort 4 and Dr Chike Mgbeadichie, Programs Director, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University, during the July session of the MTN Media Innovation Program held at the Huawei office in Victoria Island, recently.

At the Huawei Innovation Center, the fellows were introduced to a wide array of next-generation technologies. Demonstrations covered Huawei’s smart city solutions, advanced power technologies, cloud systems, and upgraded router and antenna designs. These solutions represent the core of Huawei’s contributions as a strategic partner in MTN’s journey from a connectivity provider to a digital enabler.

One of the highlights of the tour was a live demo of an AI-powered video generator, which transformed selfies into high-definition 30-second avatar-based videos. The videos, created and delivered within seconds via Bluetooth, showcased the real-time capabilities of 5G.

Speaking on how 5G is transforming digital lifestyle globally, the Deputy Managing Director, Marketing and Solutions at Huawei Nigeria, Gavin Geng, noted that “Huawei’s goal is to bridge the gap between global innovation and local demand by tailoring technology to meet Nigeria’s specific challenges. From delivering Nigeria’s first digital village alongside our partners, to launching Nigeria’s first local cloud service, we are committed to working with our customers to build infrastructure that serve both urban and underserved communities.”

He emphasised Huawei’s commitment to security and cutting-edge innovation, adding that “as an employee-owned company adhering to strict global security standards, we ensure that customers’ data and connectivity remain secure while they benefit from next-gen solutions such as 5G, AI, smart city technologies.”

The session underscored MTN’s readiness to meet the increasing demands of Nigeria’s data-driven population and support the country’s digital transformation goals.

Afterwards, the fellows received certificates to commemorate the visit and proceeded to the Huawei Service Centre. Spanning 4,000 square metres, the facility supports operations in telecoms, finance, transportation, power, and public service.

With a dedicated DevOps team, the centre customises its monitoring systems for different clients. It is ISO27001 certified, and all employees hold security certifications, reflecting its emphasis on data protection and operational excellence.

To wrap up the day, the MIP cohort was hosted to a dinner attended by MTN’s Chief Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobechukwu Okigbo. He encouraged the delegates to maximise the opportunity the programme offers and shared personal insights during an experience-sharing moment.


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NIMC Sets 48-hour Deadline for Diaspora Partners to Activate New Licences

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The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has given its Diaspora Front-End Partners (FEPs) 48 hours to obtain and activate their National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment licences on its newly upgraded diaspora enrolment platform.

The commission said the deadline followed the successful completion of a major upgrade aimed at improving the security, efficiency and reliability of NIN registration for Nigerians living abroad.

According to NIMC, the upgraded platform will offer a more seamless and robust service to diaspora applicants, ensuring faster processing and better data protection. To prepare for the transition, all FEPs have been onboarded onto the new system and taken through intensive training to equip them with the knowledge needed for effective management of the platform.

Once compliant partners activate their licences, Nigerians abroad will be able to access NIN enrolment services through them without disruption.

“The Commission apologises for any inconvenience the upgrade process might have caused and has set up a dedicated service team to resolve all issues related to diaspora enrolment,” NIMC said in a statement signed by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, its head of corporate communications.

Diaspora applicants experiencing difficulties have been advised to contact the commission for prompt assistance.

While the new system rolls out overseas, NIN enrolment continues across all centres in Nigeria, with applicants able to locate their nearest centres on the NIMC website. Nigerians at home or abroad can also modify their NIN data via the online self-service portal.

NIMC further encouraged NIN holders to download the NIMC NINAuth App on iOS or Google Play to instantly verify their NIN, control who can access their information, and enjoy secure authentication services.

 


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