Effect of Port Inefficiences on Container Shipment Cost and Prices of Imported Goods in Nigeria (1990-2024)

The study focuses on effect of inefficiencies on container shipment cost and selling prices of imported goods in Nigeria seaport. Seaports are critical infrastructure and a gateway that connects the economic propensity of producers and consumers across the globe, which have long been recognized as an essential valuable for the economic growth and development of nations, whose development has been a major priority for governments and businesses. Sequel to these two objectives were investigated, these include,how port inefficiencies contribute to shipment cost as well   examine the trend analysis of port inefficiency on container shipment cost. This study based on quantitative method of secondary data collection method. Ex-post-factor research design was adopted to achieve the objectives of the study. Data were drawn from Nigerian Port Authority, Nigeria Statistical Bulletine, from 1990 to 2024 for the period of 34 years. Multiple  regression was adopted to evaluate  the results The  study findings  shows that equipment breakdowns have significant and direct impacts on freight rate and prices and it is direct but negative and less significant impact on port efficiency as the p-value is above the threshold of 5% at 16.81%.Based on the findings, the study therefore recommends that automation of port operations is paramount and should be pursued to improve efficiency particularly at the legacy ports of Apapa, Tin Can Island and Roro.

Keywords:  container, costs, goods , import, port, prices, seaport, shipment.