Effects of Administrative Strategy on Operational Performance of Ports in Nigeria

The research aimed to evaluate the impact of various administrative tactics on the operational performance of Nigerian ports. It identified key components of port administration policies such as infrastructure development, modernization of operations, and digitization, which served as independent variables. The dependent variable, which is operational performance, was assessed through metrics like cargo delivery efficiency, ship berthing, and vessel services. Utilizing a theoretical framework based on policy implementation theory and relative state autonomy, the study adopted a cross-sectional survey method, gathering both primary and secondary data. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect relevant primary data from a total of twenty-four participants across six Nigerian ports, yielding a response rate of 87.92% with 21 valid entries. Reliability of the research instrument was confirmed with a Cronbach Alpha score of 0.70. Key findings include: i) improved port infrastructure positively influences vessel services and cargo delivery; ii) port modernization significantly enhances reliable ship berthing and cargo efficiency; iii) while digitalization has a favorable effect on cargo delivery and ship berthing, other port services experience negligible benefits.