An Institutional Appraisal of Nigeria’s Maritime Port Reforms and the Implications for African and Global Port Reforms

As with many other African and global ports, Nigeria’s ports have undergone numerous reforms over the past two decades. While these reforms have resulted in some productivity improvements, there is insufficient evidence to support any assertion that they have had an overwhelmingly positive impact on port performance. This paper applies the Grounded-Theory qualitative analysis method, supported by expert interviews, to conduct an institutional appraisal of Nigeria’s port reforms, starting with the Haskoning reforms of 2006 and extending to the present time. It addresses the questions: 1. How have Nigeria’s port reforms been influenced or shaped by institutional factors? 2. What lessons do Nigeria’s port reforms have for institutional reforms in other African port contexts? 3. What institutional changes are needed for the absorption of digital and automation-based innovations in Nigeria’s port space? The paper identifies that to be successful, institutional reforms should not be restricted to the port authority, as has been the case in Nigeria, but should directly impact all critical stakeholders within the port sector. Second, the capacity of port regulators to follow-up on contractual agreements with concessionaires and to secure adequate and timely infrastructure upgrades must be strengthened.