Perspective in Seaport and Shipping Developments in Nigeria

Abstract

The importance of port and maritime transport to the world economy cannot be over emphasized. Apart from being economic gate way, the world spatial and economic integration are enhanced through the development of sea port and maritime trade. In developed countries, much effort has been put into research and development of maritime transport. This has been evident in the volume of literature that are available on the seaport and maritime transport of these developed nations. The situation is actually not the same in developing countries particularly in Africa where very few resource materials are available. The lack and indeed the inadequacy of up-to-date materials on port operation and maritime transport generally have created serious knowledge and information gap between developing and developed countries in the maritime transport. Apart from that, inadequate information on maritime transport of developing countries in Africa has also hindered effective policy formulation and implementation. In addition, most international development partners are often constrained in the process of implementing economic development programmes in the maritime transport sub sector due to paucity of relevant data. The above among others informs the publication of this book. The book Perspectives in Seaport and Shipping Development in Nigeria is a product of intensive and extensive academic works of experts and professionals in the field of maritime transport in Nigeria. It is an attempt to provide current and up- to-date resource materials for the use of policy makers, planners, researchers and students of maritime studies. The book is organised in twelve chapters covering diverse areas of port operation and maritime transport development. Chapter one is a review of previous studies on shipping development in Nigeria. The importance of port and maritime transport to the world economy cannot be over emphasized. Apart from being economic gate way, the world spatial and economic integration are enhanced through the development of sea port and maritime trade. In developed countries, much effort has been put into research and development of maritime transport. This has been evident in the volume of literature that are available on the seaport and maritime transport of these developed nations. The situation is actually not the same in developing countries particularly in Africa where very few resource materials are available. The lack and indeed the inadequacy of up-to-date materials on port operation and maritime transport generally have created serious knowledge and information gap between developing and developed countries in the maritime transport. Apart from that, inadequate information on maritime transport of developing countries in Africa has also hindered effective policy formulation and implementation. In addition, most international development partners are often constrained in the process of implementing economic development programmes in the maritime transport sub sector due to paucity of relevant data. The above among others informs the publication of this book.