Assessment on Factors Causing Port Congestion in Nigeria; A Case Study of Apapa Port
Chapter One
Objective of the study
- Assess the current state of port infrastructure in Nigeria and identify the key infrastructural shortcomings contributing to congestion.
- Identify the primary challenges in hinterland connectivity that exacerbate port congestion.
- Analyze the impact of environmental regulations and compliance requirements on port operations
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
INTRODUCTION
Port congestion is a situation where there are obstacles in a shipyard, wharf as a result of huge port of shipments that needs to be offloaded thereby hindering the free flow of cargos in the port. Two important terms which cannot be ignored when conceptualizing congestion in a port are Terminals and Gateways (Rodrigue, 2020). The port area which harbours ships so as to offload its content is referred to as terminals. Various instruments are used in the port area such as cranes, lighters, forklifts etc. On the other hand, Gateways are channels linking shipment to their destinations either through the use of trains, cars or trucks. A seaport is always very important to the maritime authority as it helps generate income for the country as well as create employment to citizens. When relating the port with trade, it represents the combination of a gateway and a terminal. It makes ship harbour connections like controlling, digging up, provision of berths and navigational channels care, interface of ship-port when stocking and unpacking cargo possible. (Ndikom, 2008, cited in Ndikom and Emeghara, 2012). As a maritime country, Nigeria has an extensive foreign trade base therefore most commodities are often imported/transported through the sea ports. Thus, one relevant mode of transportation that country transact foreign trade is by ocean shipping (Ndikom, 2008, cited in Ndikom and Emeghara, 2012). Several industries including the oil and gas industry rely on shipping to meet their transportation needs. They maritime industry is thus very important to the Nigerian government due to the economic role which it plays this therefore calls for improvement of the Nigerian port (Ndikom, 2008, cited in Ndikom and Emeghara, 2012).
Queuing Theory on Port Congestion
The queuing theory originated in the early 1900s by a Danish engineer, statistician and mathematician called AgnerKrarup Erlang. The queuing theory mathematically examines the way congestion, and delays occur. It analyses every part of waiting on a queue, the number of servers and system places, number of customers and customers appearing in different forms, like people, cars and so on. Queuing theory covers a wide range of applications that are beneficial to businesses, from effective customer care, elimination of delays, and efficient refund structure and fast logistics and so on. Queuing theory is also concerned with delivering the best possible service at the best and most affordable price (Kenton, 2020). This theory has two components: first, it involves someone or something requesting a service, and second, it involves someone or something delivering a service. The ports, on the other hand, receive these items, reload them onto trucks or container trucks, buses, cars and so on while collecting various fees to ensure that these items get to their final destination. The onus lies on the ports to deliver efficient and effective handing over for these items to the businesses or individuals who have made these purchases (Oyatoye, Adebiyi and Okoye, 2011). Queuing theory has also been applied to the problem of port congestion highlighted by Oyatoye et al. (2011) who opined that it is a standardized method to port outline and management in order to have various movement of shipments, cargoes, and international merchandises under control. Moreover, this theoretical standard leverages on the ideals of “First come, first served” in the process of optimally conducting port supervision of merchandize in the berth. Several factors exist as observed by this study which gives rise to congestion in Apapa Port, they include: Structural influences: This includes both physical and operational influences that affects the ports activities which tend towards congestion especially when supply is high. Also, at times there are scenarios where ships are unable to berth or cargoes are left at the port for days by shippers (Oyetayo, 2011; Nze and Onyemechi, 2018). Delays by port officials also bring about more expenditure to importers as well as final consumers making commodity price constantly be on the rise. Inefficiency and lack of control of port workers has brought a rise in tribalism, and corruption thus increasing port congestion. Physical environment: This covers the visible surrounding of the port. When the immediate surrounding of the sea port has an unfavourable weather condition, malfunctioning port equipment, high influx of imported and exported goods, etc. these are examples of physical environmental factors causing more congestion at the terminus of the port. Organizational factors: This entails the challenges in the implementation of policies by the government on port decongestion due to inadequate definition of policies, overambitious policies, lack of policy continuity and encouragement in the utilization of other ports in other parts of the country, lack of clear definition in responsibility and coordination, inadequate governmental sensitivities that lead to industrial strike action which usually leads to a stall in the work processes at the seaport and corrupt practices like issues of theft, misappropriation of government funds which is substantively dangerous to the development of the sector and invariably, to the investment from foreigners/international traders.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine Assessment on factors causing Port Congestion in Nigeria. APAPA port form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the assessment on factors causing Port Congestion in Nigeria. A case study of APAPA port. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing assessment on factors causing Port Congestion in Nigeria.
Summary
This study was on Assessment on factors causing Port Congestion in Nigeria. A case study of APAPA port. Three objectives were raised which included: Assess the current state of port infrastructure in Nigeria and identify the key infrastructural shortcomings contributing to congestion, identify the primary challenges in hinterland connectivity that exacerbate port congestion and analyze the impact of environmental regulations and compliance requirements on port operations. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from APAPA port. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The assessment of factors causing port congestion at Apapa Port, Nigeria, reveals a multifaceted issue with significant implications for the country’s economic development and international trade efficiency. The study identifies several key factors contributing to port congestion, including infrastructural deficiencies, poor hinterland connectivity, operational inefficiencies, high import volumes, and regulatory challenges.
Recommendation
To mitigate port congestion at Apapa Port, a comprehensive approach is necessary. The following recommendations are proposed:
Significant investment is needed to upgrade port facilities, including docks, warehouses, and cargo handling equipment. Modernizing the infrastructure will enhance the port’s capacity to handle increased cargo volumes efficiently.
Initiate expansion projects to increase the port’s capacity, including the development of new terminals and berths to accommodate larger ships and more cargo.
Invest in the improvement and expansion of access roads to reduce traffic congestion and facilitate the smooth movement of goods.
References
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