CONTAINERIZATION AS A CRITICAL DRIVER OF A SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY: EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIA
Keywords:
Containerization, Blue Economy, Maritime Logistics, Nigeria, SustainabilityAbstract
Containerization has transformed maritime logistics worldwide by improving efficiency, reducing cargo handling costs, and facilitating international trade. In Nigeria, the adoption of containerized shipping is critical to the development of a sustainable blue economy, yet its full potential remains underutilized due to operational and infrastructural challenges. This study examines the relationship between containerization and the sustainable blue economy in Nigeria, focusing on trade efficiency, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and operational challenges. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining structured questionnaires administered to 174 maritime stakeholders (selected via stratified random sampling across four stakeholder groups) and qualitative insights from 8 purposively selected experts. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean scores) and content analysis, with a benchmark mean score of ≥2.50 set for acceptance on a 4-point scale. The instrument yielded a Cronbach Alpha of 0.80, indicating high reliability. The findings indicate that containerization significantly enhances trade efficiency and contributes to economic growth, while also offering potential for environmental sustainability. However, challenges such as port congestion, inadequate infrastructure, high logistics costs, and poor hinterland connectivity constrain its effectiveness. The study concludes that containerization is a critical enabler of Nigeria's blue economy, but addressing operational and structural challenges is essential to fully realize its benefits. Recommendations include investment in modern port infrastructure, adoption of green port technologies, improved hinterland connectivity, and regulatory reforms to enhance efficiency.References
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