INLAND DRY PORTS AND INTERMODAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM: MECHANISMS TO RECALIBRATE TRADITIONAL LOGISTICS SERVICES BETWEEN SEAPORTS AND THEIR HINTERLANDS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper focuses on the role of inland dry ports and intermodal transport system in recalibrating traditional logistics services between seaports and their hinterlands in Nigeria. The study identifies the challenges involved in the recalibration of traditional logistics services between seaports and their hinterlands in Nigeria and the inherent benefits to be derived. It used descriptive survey method to draw a sample of 406 respondents through simple random sampling technique and it used descriptive statistics in the data analysis. Questionnaire and interview were used to elicit information from primary source of data, while secondary data came from 12 organizations in addition to media report and literature review. The findings show that it will take automated IDPs and functional intermodal transport services to contribute significantly to recalibrate traditional logistics services between seaports and their hinterlands in Nigeria, and that shippers will be certain to receive better and reliable services because there will be effective planning and processes due to digitalization of operations.  However, some of the challenges identified in this respect are the absence of regulatory framework for meaningful inland dry port development; the absence of political and operational will to automate IDP operations; absence of a unifying umbrella body for the numerous firms that provide hinterland transport services and the absence of incentive for cooperation among the operators who provide hinterland transport services. Therefore, the study recommends that government should provide platform to automate IDP operations and processes and provide incentives to encourage effective coordination of the numerous firms involved in providing hinterland transport services.