Ogbuka, Josiah; Nwanmuoh, Emmanuel; Ogbo, Anastasia; Ugwu, Constance
(Scientific Journals Maritime University of Szczecin, Zeszyty Naukowe Politechniki Morskiej w Szczecinie,
)
International trade has skyrocketed in recent decades, with global trade expected to grow by 3.5 between 2017
and 2050. There have been diverse scholarships in the study of inland nodes to enhance seaport-inland connectivity and efficient global supply chain. A dry port is described as the most common inland node. However,
research on dry ports is mostly lacking in developing nations like Nigeria, with developed economies dominating the space. We used mixed methods, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches for data collection,
analysis, and interpretation to evaluate seaport efficiency and competitiveness indicators. A 5-point Likert scale
structured questionnaire was administered to 478 respondents (the sample size), including logistics companies,
importers, distributors, and marketers. A total of 383 respondents completed and returned their questionnaires.
The study shows that existing seaports lack fully effective and functional conditions to support growing trade
demands. Secondly, the study showed high interest in dry ports as complementary facilities that enhance logistical efficiency and regional competitiveness. Thirdly, space inadequacy, congestion, and challenges in handling
high cargo volumes drive dry port development. Fourthly, dry port development can enhance seaport-inland
transportation networks, improve seaport-inland access, provide adequate space for containerized cargo, expand seaport facilities to the hinterland, extend customer and value-added services inland, improve seaport
flexibility and reliability, reduce inland distribution costs, and increase ship call frequency in Nigeria, particularly the southeast zone. These findings can shape regulatory and policy landscapes for implementing dry ports
in other developing jurisdictions to expand research and data limitations on dry port operations in developing
nations. We recommend replicating this study in other data-constrained locations and land-locked areas to promote seaport efficiency and competitiveness.