MARINE TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS ADVANCEMENT TOWARDS THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF BLUE ECONOMY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examines marine transportation and logistics advancement for the growth and development of Blue
Economy in Nigeria. Among others, the objectives of the study were to: evaluate the current state of marine
transportation infrastructure in Nigeria and explore opportunities for investment and public-private partnerships in
Nigeria’s marine transportation and maritime logistics. The study used survey design which involved questionnaire
and interview. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data generated. The Taro Yamane
formula was used to determine the sample size of 431 out of a population of 18,966. The study finds, amongst
others, that existing port facilities in Nigeria are not adequate to support the current demands of marine
transportation; maritime auxiliary services provided at Nigerian ports do not meet international standards to support
Blue Economy in Nigeria; there is ineffective coordination between different stakeholders to ensure efficient marine
transportation in Nigeria; and inasmuch as regulatory frameworks in Nigeria are aligned with international standards
in marine logistics, corruption within regulatory bodies has undermined safety and security efforts, and insufficient
infrastructure such as navigational aids and emergency response facilities have also impacted negatively on safety
and security. Accordingly, the study recommends that government should improve maritime and logistics
infrastructure, integrate all actors (Customs, shipping lines, ports, haulers) into a single logistics ecosystem, enforce
anti-corruption policies in cargo handling and clearance procedures and expand access to mobile and cloud-based
logistics solutions for last-mile operators in Nigeria.