ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF PORT CONGESTION ON MARITIME TRADE EFFICIENCY IN NIGERIA. A CASE STUDY OF PORT HARCOURT PORT

Port congestion has become a critical challenge in Nigeria’s maritime sector, with significant implications for trade efficiency, logistics performance, and economic growth. This study assesses the impact of port congestion on maritime trade efficiency, using Port Harcourt Port as a case study. The research investigates the causes of congestion, such as inadequate infrastructure, poor cargo handling facilities, regulatory bottlenecks, and rising vessel traffic, while also examining their effects on turnaround time, cost of operations, and cargo throughput. A mixed methods approach was employed, combining primary data from questionnaires and interviews with stakeholders, alongside secondary data from port records, reports, and scholarly literature. The findings reveal that congestion at Port Harcourt Port substantially increases shipping and logistics costs, delays cargo clearance, discourages foreign investment, and undermines Nigeria’s competitiveness in international trade. The study further highlights that policy reforms, infrastructural upgrades, digitalization of port processes, and enhanced intermodal transport connectivity are crucial to addressing these challenges. Ultimately, the research underscores the urgent need for coordinated government and private sector interventions to decongest Port Harcourt Port and improve maritime trade efficiency in Nigeria.