INLAND FREIGHT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS IN NIGERIA: THE INLAND DRY PORTS STRATEGY

Abstract

                         This study reviews the development of inland dry ports (IDPs) as a strategy for inland freight distribution in Nigeria. The objective was to evaluate the volume of containers transported to the inland dry ports in Nigeria between 2018 and 2021 as strategy for inland freight distribution. It adopted a descriptive survey approach using simple random sampling to produce a sample of 343. ANOVA result of the hypothesis tested showed that a statistically significant difference existed in the volume of cargo transported to the IDPs during the period under review. It was found that Kaduna IDP, being the only functional inland terminal, is inadequate to improve the efficiency of seaports in Nigeria. Thus, the study recommends that the Federal Government should provide the enabling environment for the private sector to invest in IDPs to enhance efficiency of ports, optimize port-hinterland connectivity and boost inland freight distribution systems in Nigeria.   Key words: intermodal, port-hinterland connectivity, concessionaire, inland freight distribution, , containerization