Connectivity of Nigerian Ports to Global Shipping Networks and Port Logistics Performance in Nigeria

Abstract

Challenges related to port connectivity to global shipping networks have implications on the sustainability of the transportation operations in the affected economies with consequences on the business performance within the economy. The study evaluated the connectivity of Nigerian ports to global shipping networks relative to the logistics performance of the ports. It used used quantitative research design and time series data covering a period of 18 years between 2006 and 2023 on Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (LSCI) of Nigeria, obtained from UNCTAD reports. The findings of the study reveal that about 74% variations in the Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (LSCI) of Nigeria ports is explained by the volume of TEU container shipping export and import trade volumes, the cargo throughput tonnage handled, the ship traffic calls, rates/charges paid by port users, service time experiences of the shippers cum ship-owners, and the delay experienced by the shippers and ship-operators in the ports. The test of significance of the influence of the factors of port logistics performance on the LSCI of Nigerian ports indicate an f-score of  4.192, alpha value of 0.05 and p-value of 0.042. There is a declining trend in the connectivity of Nigerian seaports to global shipping networks while the trend of TEU import and export trade handled in the ports and the cargo throughput tonnage increases over the period. The trend of ship traffic calls to the Nigerian ports is also declining in the same direction as the shipping connectivity index. Recommendations were proffered in line with the findings of the study.