BENEFITS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE REDUCTION OF PORT CONGESTION: A STUDY OF APAPA WHARF, NIGERIA

Abstract

Port congestion remains a critical challenge in Nigerian maritime logistics, particularly at Apapa Wharf, 
the nation's busiest seaport. This study examined the perceived benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 
reducing congestion at Apapa Wharf, addressing a significant gap in literature regarding AI applications 
in African ports using Apapa Wharf as a case study. The research adopted a descriptive survey design with 
a quantitative approach, targeting 1,161 management staff of the Nigerian Ports Authority, a federal 
government agency established in 1954 that governs and regulates all ports in Nigeria, at Apapa Wharf. A 
sample of 297 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane's formula, and 210 valid responses were 
analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (chi-square 
test). The findings revealed that respondents strongly agreed on multiple AI benefits, including AI-powered 
predictive analysis for vessel maintenance forecasting (mean=3.20), Internet of Things integration for real
time monitoring (mean=3.14), AI chatbots for improved customer service (mean=3.22), automated systems 
reducing turnaround time (mean=3.18), AI-driven Vessel Traffic Systems providing real-time information 
(mean=3.38), and biometric AI technologies enhancing security access control (mean=3.20). The chi
square test confirmed a statistically significant perceived benefit of AI in reducing congestion (χ² = 147.50, 
p < 0.05). The study concluded that AI tools offer substantial benefits for port decongestion and 
recommended that strategic investment in AI technologies, stakeholder training, and supportive regulatory 
frameworks.