PORT SITING AND REGIONAL MARITIME TRADE IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND POLICY DIRECTIONS

Abstract Port location is a major factor influencing maritime trade because it determines cargo accessibility, transport costs, and the efficiency of logistics networks. However, despite its extensive coastline and strategic position in the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria faces spatial and infrastructural challenges that limit the contribution of its ports to regional maritime trade. The study therefore examined port siting and regional maritime trade in Nigeria with a view to identifying the major challenges associated with the location and distribution of ports and proposing practical policy directions. The study was anchored on the Balanced Theory of Port Competitiveness and adopted a qualitative descriptive research design based on documentary analysis of secondary data obtained from the Nigerian Ports Authority, National Bureau of Statistics, UNCTAD, the World Bank, Lloyd’s List, and other relevant sources. Based on the analysis, the study found that the concentration of port activities in Lagos, coupled with inadequate channel depths, weak hinterland connectivity, and poor spatial planning, has contributed to congestion, high logistics costs, and the underutilization of eastern ports. The study concluded that a more balanced and integrated port system is necessary to improve regional maritime trade. It recommended aligning future port development with national spatial planning, industrial corridors, and multimodal transport networks to enhance regional trade competitiveness. Keywords: Port siting, Maritime trade, Hinterland connectivity, Spatial concentration, Cargo throughput, Gulf of Guinea