CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS TO THE COMPLEMENTARY ROLE OF INLAND DRY PORTS IN SERVING THE HINTERLAND OF NIGERIA

Abstract

CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS TO THE COMPLEMENTARY ROLE OF INLAND DRY PORTS IN SERVING THE HINTERLAND OF NIGERIA  1ETO, GABRIEL M.,   2AKPOGHOMEH, OSI S., AND 3OTTO, GODLY.Centre for Logistics and Transport StudiesUniversity of Port HarcourtEmail Address: 1etogabrielm@yahoo.com                                             2 akpoghomeh@yahoo.com and 3 godly.otto@uniport.edu.ng ABSTRACTThe paper reviews the challenges facing inland dry ports (IDPs) in Nigeria and the inherent prospects in their bid to serve the hinterland as complements to the seaports. It is acknowledged that the attractiveness and economic success of a seaport is ever so dependent on its ability to integrate into the supply chains that connect it to the hinterland. Thus, freight transport network is experiencing an evolution of terminals that connect seaports with their hinterlands. IDPs are fast becoming extensions of the maritime terminals on the landside as they represent mitigation measure against congestion and capacity constraint faced by seaports. Hence, in recognition of the symbiotic relationship between seaports and IDPs, the former need to key into the complementary services of the latter in order to enhance their efficiency and to serve the hinterlands. The paper identifies the challenges that the IDPs in Nigeria face from literature review, media reports, port operators and other stakeholders. The paper found that as a result of poor port hinterland connectivity, the cost element in transporting containers through deplorable roads to IDPs in Nigeria is taking its toll on the ability of the IDPs to have the desired impact on the hinterland because rail transport, which is less expensive, is in abeyance. The paper submits that the Government should provide an enabling environment that encourages private sector to invest in functional and efficient intermodal transport system that enhances port hinterland connectivity. This would facilitate speedy evacuation of cargo to the IDPs, encourage export activities, serve increased volume of trade and boost economic activities of the hinterland. Keywords: Growth Pole, port hinterland connectivity, intermodal transport, inland container terminals, symbiotic relationship, dwell time, concession, congestion, complementary role and capacity constraint.