IMPACT OF MARITIME FRAUD ON COMPETITIVENESS OF NIGERIAN SEAPORTS
Abstract
This study examined the impact of maritime fraud on the competitiveness of selected Nigerian seaports; Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Onne focusing on four fraud types: cargo theft, misdeclaration, forged bills of lading, and fraudulent registration. Guided by three objectives, the research assesses effects on operational efficiency, port cost/pricing, and service quality/reliability. Primary data were collected via structured questionnaires administered to key stakeholders in the selected ports, using 5 point Likert items; secondary sources supplemented the analysis. Multiple regression analysis tested three null hypotheses that maritime fraud does not significantly affect operational efficiency, port cost/pricing, or service quality. Results provide robust empirical evidence that maritime fraud significantly undermines port competitiveness across all three dimensions given the P-values > 0.05 at 95% confidence level: the fraud variables explain 67.8% of variation in operational efficiency (R² = 0.678), 71.4% in port cost/pricing (R² = 0.714), and 69.2% in service quality/reliability (R² = 0.692). Cargo misdeclaration consistently emerged as the strongest predictor, triggering delays, higher inspection and compliance costs, and systemic service disruptions. Findings align with literature linking governance failures and documentation irregularities to port inefficiencies. The study recommends accelerated end to end digitalization, advanced cargo verification and tracking, blockchain and QR based document authentication, strengthened inter agency collaboration, and capacity building with strict enforcement measures. Implementing these reforms is presented as a strategic imperative to restore the regional and global competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
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Published in JOURNAL OF ACCOUNTING, FINANCE & MANAGEMENT DISCOVERY WUKARI
ISSN: 2714-2574
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