Port Productivity and Efficiency in Nigeria: Empirical Evidence, Global Benchmarks and Policy Implications

Seaports constitute critical nodes in global and national supply chains, serving as gateways for international trade and engines of economic growth. In developing maritime economies such as Nigeria, port productivity and efficiency remain central to competitiveness, trade facilitation, and sustainable development. This paper examines the concepts of port productivity and efficiency, identifies their key indicators, and empirically evaluates the performance of Nigerian seaports relative to global benchmarks. Using secondary time-series data from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and international benchmarks from UNCTAD and the World Bank, the study analyses cargo dwell time and ship turnaround time across major Nigerian ports during the post-port-reform era (2007–2021). Findings reveal that average cargo dwell time and ship turnaround time in Nigerian ports exceed global benchmark standards by approximately 244% and 147% respectively, indicating persistent inefficiencies despite port concession reforms.