Critical factors that impact on the efficiency of the Lagos seaports

Abstract

Background: Since the past two decades, the Lagos seaports have experienced vessel and storage yard cargo congestion, resulting in dwell times of about 30 days for containerised imports and high trade logistics costs.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the critical factors that impact the operational efficiency of the Lagos seaports with a view to improving liner trade activities.Method: The study adopted an operational-based approach to understand the dynamics of the various interfaces of the port value chain. The research paradigm adopted for the study was therefore a combination of constructivism and post-positivism paradigms, which entailed the exploration and understanding of the various stakeholders in the port value chain. The epistemology of the research relied on the use of the exploratory sequential mixed method research technique (i.e. the qualitative approach followed by the quantitative approach) at the operational level of port operations.Results: The result of the research showed that significant challenges exist and that some of these challenges cut across all functions of port operations. Challenges are experienced in the areas of corruption, trade fraud, transport infrastructure deficits, the absence of a supply chain culture and shortcomings in the execution of the ‘contract of customs’. Additionally, these factors include the deficiencies in services and facilities provided by state agencies and government-appointed service providers and private sector companies such as truckers, inland container depots, Inland Container Depots (ICDs) and terminal operators.Conclusion: Specific recommendations are made to address the issues identified which, if implemented, could significantly address the current inefficiencies observed in the Lagos seaport’s operations.

Corruption and supply chain management toward the sustainable development goals era

“…Arnold et al (2012) investigated whether the structural and organizational foundations of German SMEs, especially their purchasing units, engage in corrupt business practices. Four factors have been identified as influencing a company's penchant for corruption, derived from in-depth case studies: organizational complexity, corporate culture, Ojadi and Walters (2015) internationality and functional complexity. An intriguing finding was of the negative relationship between a company's penchant for corruption and use of control/prevention tools/mechanisms.…”

Socioeconomic Characteristics and Perspectives on Cargo Handling: A Study of Tin Can Island Port, Apapa, Nigeria

“…Although several studies have frequently questioned the inclusion of socioeconomic factors in cargo handling research (Turner, 2000), the dynamics of socioeconomic repercussions are frequently overlooked in the management and execution of freight handling operations. The emphasis has always been on implementing appropriate technology and gadgets to expedite cargo servicing and delivery operations at the port (Ojadi & Walters 2015). In this regard, socioeconomic factors are important in the cargo handling management subsector.…”

Dampak Auto Gate System (Ags) Terhadap Percepatan Kontainer Di Pelabuhan Tanjung Priok

“…Gharehgozli, Roy, & de Koster (2014) mengemukakan bahwa gate terminal adalah titik pemisah antara transportasi internal dan eksternal TPS, dan batas ketika kontainer dianggap selesai dan telah keluar dari TPS. Manajemen gate sangatlah penting, karena antrian panjang kontainer di terminal dapat menyebabkan kemacetan dan biaya pelabuhan yang tinggi (Gharehgozli, Roy, & de Koster, 2014 (Ojadi & Walters, 2015). Dengan menggunakan AGS, tidak diperlukan lagi pegawai untuk memonitor pemasukan dan pengeluaran kontainer, melainkan mesin checkpoint yang mengirimkan data status kontainer ke database sistem DJBC.…”