ASSESSMENT OF CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS AND ADAPTATION ON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant challenge globally, affecting socio-economic structures, environmental sustainability, and industrial operations, including the maritime sector. This study examines the influence of climate change awareness on adaptation strategies and workforce development in Nigeria’s maritime industry. A descriptive survey design was employed, and data were collected from 200 maritime workers in Tin Can Port and Rivers Port using a structured questionnaire. Hypothesis testing using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that climate change awareness had a significant but moderate effect on workforce development (ηp² = .078, p < 0.05) and adaptation strategies (ηp² = .071, p < 0.05). These findings indicate that a higher level
of climate change awareness enhances workforce preparedness and facilitates the integration of adaptive strategies to mitigate climate-related risks. Given the increasing threats posed by climate change, this study underscores the need for maritime industry stakeholders to incorporate climate awareness into decision-making processes, invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, and implement policies that promote long-term sustainability. Strengthening workforce training programs and fostering industry-wide collaboration on climate adaptation are essential to ensuring the resilience of Nigeria’s maritime sector.