Optimizing the Performance of Inland Dry Ports: The Role of Inland Transportation in Nigeria

Abstract

The study reviews the essence of inland dry ports (IDPs) in Nigeria and the vital
role played by inland transportation as performance-enhancing factor in the
mutually complementary services of IDPs and seaports. The study adopts survey
research design and used primary and secondary sources of data. Questionnaire
and interview were the instruments used for sourcing primary data. Six objectives
of the study centre on the problem and the study adopted the Taro Yamane
formula to determine 343 as the sample size, out of study population of 1412. The
study uses descriptive statistics and identifies the challenges faced by rail, road and
inland waterways modes of transport in the quest to connect them to IDPs in
Nigeria from interview, literature review, media reports, port operators and other
stakeholders. It identifies the effects of poor port hinterland connectivity, and
noted the high-cost element in transporting containers through deplorable roads
to IDPs in Nigeria, which is taking its toll on the performance of the IDPs. The
study recommends that Government should adopt a holistic national freight
logistics strategy, which involves all tiers of government and industry, and make
provision for enhanced coordinated national multi-modal and intermodal
approaches to freight planning. This would facilitate the reduction of trade costs
and enhance the optimization of the performance of inland dry ports in Nigeria.