Abstract
Generally speaking, cargo demand traffic forecasts are needed tools to rationalize the investment decisions in ports. However, little studies have been carried out in determining the magnitude of container cargo traffic at Nigerian ports, this creates a lacuna that needs to be filled up. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the spatial and temporal dimensions of container traffic in Nigerian seaports from 1990 to 2017. The study uses a survey design and employed descriptive and multivariate statistics to analyze the data. It demonstrates that Nigeria imports lots of commodities in containers than it exports in containers because most of the country’s exports are crude oil and non-containerized goods. Thus, the reason for traffic congestion at the ports and the high cost paid by Nigerian shippers for imported containerized cargo. The study further showed that both imported and exported container traffic had a positive trend in the time series. From the findings, we have shown the need for understanding the magnitude of container traffic at the ports as it helps Ports Authorities in operational decisions regarding port capacity utilization.
Highlights
The port's capacity plays a crucial role in the port's competitive position to meet demand, avoid congestion, and decrease the cost and time lost at the port and increase productivity that is of importance to all the stakeholders (Yasmine, 2016)
It can be seen that imported container traffic rose from what was recorded in 1990 and had a more significant increase in 1992 (22%), the sanctions that followed the political impasse of Nigeria saw a decrease in 1993, 1994 (-17% and -23% respectively)
This further explains the reason for the high costs of importation paid by the Nigerian shippers for imported containerized goods as shipping firms that are not sure of return loads for their containers and vessels make shippers pay for the “to” and ‘from” Nigeria legs of the container movements
Summary
The port's capacity plays a crucial role in the port's competitive position to meet demand, avoid congestion, and decrease the cost and time lost at the port and increase productivity that is of importance to all the stakeholders (Yasmine, 2016). Emphasized that the relative port competitiveness advantage is one of the important factors that determine the potential demand and is significantly considered by policymakers when dealing with investment decisions concerning increasing port capacity. The decision to provide new capacities and investments in the port should be supported by growing potential demand. Meersman and Van de Voorde (2014) emphasized the importance of studying the trade-off between the costs and Corresponding author: Christopher C. Demand traffic forecasts are needed as a tool to rationalize the investment decisions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Sustainable Development of Transport and Logistics
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
