TITLE:
Information & Communication Technology(ICT) Adoption in Nigerian Ports Terminal Operations
AUTHORS:
D. E. Onwuegbuchunam, M. O. Aponjolosun, A. W. Ogunsakin
KEYWORDS:
ICT Adoption, Single Electronic Window, ICT Application and Integration, ICT Constraints, Nigerian Ports
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Transportation Technologies,
Vol.11 No.3,
May
19,
2021
ABSTRACT: Most ports around the globe have adopted ICT in a bid to improve their
operational performance and remain competitive in the industry. However, ports in developing economies still grapple with challenges associated
with manual terminal operation. This paper evaluated the level of application and integration of Information and Communication
Technologies (ICT) and factors limiting their use in terminal operations
in Nigerian seaports. The data for the study were obtained from copies of structured
Likert scaled questionnaire administered to a random sample of terminal
operators, stevedores, shipping companies’
agents, Customs licensed Clearing and Forwarding agents (C&F)
operating in Apapa and Tincan Island ports in Nigeria. Specifically, opinion of
these respondents was sought on extent of ICT application, integration and perceived constraints to ICT use in
port terminal operations. Based on our findings using statistical model
tests of proportion, the respondents stated that significant level of ICT
procedures and processes have been adopted in port terminal operations. In
terms of ICT applications, we found that electronic data and communication
exchange applications were available in the terminals for use by the
respondents. There are also in place ICT applications for warehouses and
storage facilities management and e-payment systems.
However, significant constraining factors were found to be: low ICT investment budgetary allocation, lack of e-skilled manpower and poor equipment
maintenance culture. Other limiting factors were lack of integrated ICT
facilities operated by other port stakeholders and absence of Port Community
Systems network (PCS) linking all other relevant interests connected to
terminal operations. Policy implications of our findings were discussed.