Effect of Port Congestion on Maritime Trade Performance in Nigeria: Evidence from The Nigerian Ports Authority
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jmrr/V2E7/2026-10Keywords:
Port Congestion, Maritime Trade Performance, Vessel Waiting Time, Customs Clearance, Demurrage Fees, Truck Turnaround Time.Abstract
The effectiveness of international trade and maritime transportation has been negatively impacted by port congestion, especially in emerging nations like Nigeria. Prolonged vessel waiting times, higher demurrage fees, delays in customs clearance, and longer truck turnaround times are all consequences of congested ports that impair the performance of maritime trade by raising logistical costs and decreasing supply chain efficiency. Using data from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), this study looked at how port congestion affected Nigeria's marine trade performance. The study specifically looked into how truck turnaround time, demurrage fees, customs clearing time, and vessel waiting times affected the performance of maritime trade. The Lagos Port Complex (Apapa) and Tin Can Island Port were the subjects of the study, which used a multiple case study design and a qualitative research methodology. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather information from 24 carefully chosen important players, including Nigerian Ports Authority officials, terminal operators, customs officers, freight forwarders, shipping companies, truck operators, and logistics service providers. Braun and Clarke's six-step framework served as a guide for the thematic analysis of the gathered data. The Lagos Port Complex (Apapa) and Tin Can Island Port were the subject of the study, which used a multiple case study design and a qualitative research methodology. 24 purposefully chosen important players, including representatives of the Nigerian Ports Authority, terminal operators, customs officers, freight forwarders, shipping companies, truck operators, and logistics service providers, participated in semi-structured interviews to gather data. The six-step framework developed by Braun and Clarke served as a guide for the thematic analysis of the gathered data. According to the study's findings, improving multimodal transport connectivity, modernizing port infrastructure, digitizing port operations, enhancing stakeholder collaboration, and implementing integrated policy reforms are all necessary to alleviate these operational constraints. To increase port efficiency, boost maritime trade performance, and bolster Nigeria's competitiveness in regional and international maritime commerce, it suggests consistent investment in smart port technology, customs automation, intelligent truck management systems, and capacity building.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammed Rabiu Musa, Phd, Zubaida Abubakar, Idris Safiyanu Elatikpo, Kabiru Musa Yusuf, Kabir Ibrahimm Halliru (Author)
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