Paper Key : IRJ************687
Author: Odiegwu, Chinwendu Laurentia,Adiele, Kenneth Chima
Date Published: 26 Oct 2023
Abstract
This study examined the effect of international seaborne trade on cargo throughputs of ports in Nigeria. The predictor variable (international seaborne trade) had its dimensions as oil export, non-oil export, oil import and non-oil import. The criterion variable (on cargo throughputs) was measured with cargo throughput. The theories that underpinned the study included: Absolute advantage theory and theory of international trade, ex-post facto research design was used for the study. Secondary sources of data were used as the main data collection method. Relevant data for this study were collected from the annual reports and accounts of Nigerian Ports Authority, National Bureau of Statistics and Central Bank of Nigeria Annual Statistical Bulletins (1981 2022). The population of the study consisted of all the 6 ports in Nigeria. The study used descriptive and inferential statistical tools to analyse the data. Specifically, multiple regression analiysis of ordinary least square estimation was used to test the hypotheses with the aid of SPSS 26.0. The reliability of the research instrument was validated on the basis of the secondary data sources. The study revealed that there are opportunities to develop and use oil and non-oil export channels for international seaborne trade through ports. The study revealed that ports recognize that oil export, non-oil export, oil import and non-oil import provide the government and business community variety of options to engage in seaborne trade of intensive nature. The study found that international seaborne trade is boosted when cargo throughputs is increased. The study concluded that: Oil export has significant effect on cargo throughputs (t 8.079), non-oil export has negative and significant effect on cargo throughputs (t -2.869), oil import has negative and insignificant effect on cargo throughputs (t -0.485) and non-oil import has significant effect on cargo throughputs (t 4.059). This study, therefore, recommended that Nigerian ports should prioritize and utilize the full capacity available in seaborne trade and channel oil exports and non-oil exports towards increasing the cargo throughputs of ports in Nigeria and Nigerian ports should encourage the export of non-oil products by putting up facilities, infrastructures and conducive environment as cargo throughputs is significantly increased for optimal performance of seaports in Nigeria.
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