Assessment of Factors Causing Congestion and Nature of Cargo Clearance in Apapa Port, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Port congestion is a situation where there are obstacles in the shipyard, wharf as a result of huge shipments that needs to be offloaded thus, hindering the free flow of cargos in the port. This creates an unpleasant scenario that harms the economy, and hampers international trade. When port congestion occurs, it opens the door for more effective, efficient and technologically driven changes that include adequate planning, overhaul of existing routines and systematic modifications to be implemented. The study assessed the nature of cargo clearance and factors causing congestion in Apapa Port. The methodology for this research was based on cross-sectional survey research design, with questionnaire as the primary instrument of data collection. The simple random and convenience sampling technique was utilised in reaching the selected sample of Seventy (70) respondents from Apapa port, Lagos, Nigeria. Analysis was also carried out using descriptive statistical method. The study revealed that the nature of cargo clearance was very cumbersome in Apapa Port. Also, multiplication of security agents and demographic changes were factors causing the port congestion. The study recommended the need for the elimination of bureaucratic processes causing delays as well as a smart and seamless discharge of duties by desk officers. Also, the expansion of road networks around the port by the government at Federal and State levels was deemed necessary to encourage free flow of traffic in order to inhibit localized congestion.