Port Productivity and Container Adoption by Industries in Nigeria

Abstract

In this era of globalisation in transport technology, container packaging technique has become an innovation that cannot be over looked. Aside from enhancing effective delivery of cargo at the final destination, it has also improved port performances and productivity in most countries of the world.

This study examines the extent of port productivity and container traffic in Nigerian ports. The study specifically aimed at establishing the relationship between import and export container traffic and port productivity. Through the use of quantitative data, sic ports (Apapa Bulkship Terminal, AP Mollers and RORO/Tincan Island, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports) known for increased shipping activities were purposively selected for the study. To complement the data, a total of 360 questionnaires were administered to 30 sampled towns in each of the six geo-political zone of Nigeria based on their population and growth. Two hypothesis were formulated in order to achieve the objectives of the study. These hypothesis were tested using Stepwise Regression Model. The result indicates that significant relationship exists between traffic of export containerised cargoes and total export cargo throughput in five(5) of the six(6) ports selected for the study on one hand, while a significant relationship between the traffic of the import containerised cargoes and total import cargo throughput was established in three(3) of the six(6) ports on the other hand. The obvious implication of the results of the analysis is that containerised cargoes contribute more to the total export cargoes throughput and less to the total import cargo throughput of  Nigerian trade.

Based on these findings, the study recommends the formulation of policies that would improve the adoption of containerised trade, particularly, in the total import of cargo throughput in Nigeria.