Socio-Economic and Political Implications of the On-Going Port Reform Process in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper attempts to ascertain the socioeconomic and political implications of the on-going port reform in Nigeria.  In achieving this, the areas of coverage of the reform were highlighted before presenting the socioeconomic and political implications of the exercise. The positive implications include improvements in the efficiency level of port services and general standard of transparency. Opportunities for effective pricing, competition, consolidation and diversification would be created. It will introduce the flexibility needed to respond to changes in technology and market structures, and at the same time, reposition the port to attain the desired hub status. With ports investments shifted to the private sector, the government can apply her fund to more economically desirable projects. However, some ports' staff has to be retrenched, but the jobs that would be created in the downstream sector justify the reform. A legal framework is required for clarification of notions and settlement of disputes that may arise in the course of implementation, while seminars and symposia are needed to sensitize the public. It is believed that a proper consideration of the implications of the reform and adherence to a series of recommendations of the study will make the whole exercise smooth and attractive. The problems of multiple agencies, arbitrary charges and cargo diversion would be eliminated.