ISPS CODE IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF SEAPORTS IN EASTERN NIGERIA

  • Nkitma, Atim Nyong Centre for Logistics and Transport Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria
  • Isoghom, Hilary Waite (PhD) Department of Marketing/Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Management Sciences, Federal University, Otuoke, PMB, 126, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Keywords: ISPS code implementation, Operational Efficiency, Cargo dwell time, Stakeholder satisfaction, Operational cost.

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between ISPS code implementation and operational efficiency of Eastern Nigeria seaports The specific objectives are to empirically examine the relationship between ISPS code implementation and operational efficiency in terms of cargo dwell time, stakeholder satisfaction and operational cost of seaports in Eastern Nigeria. The study adopted the cross- sectional survey as its research design. The study population consists of - four (4) seaports operating in Nigeria. The study took a census. Thirty (30) respondents were drawn from each of the seaport making a total of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents to whom copies of structured questionnaires were administered. However, one hundred and fourteen (114) respondents were retrieved and used for analysis. The hypotheses were tested using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation with the aid of statistical packages of social science (SPSS) version 27.0. The study’s findings revealed that there is a very strong, positive and statistically significant relationship between ISPS code implementation and operational efficiency of seaports in Eastern Nigeria. The study concludes that ISPS code implementation significantly relates to operational efficiency of seaports in Eastern Nigeria; and it is recommended that, port administrators in Eastern Nigeria should continually evaluate and gauge outcomes of implementation to the code in order to improve operational efficiency of the seaports.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Blackburn, M. (2019). What is stakeholder theory? [Online]: Retrieved 20th November, 2025 from; http://www.projectmanagement.com/blog/whatisstakeholdertheory
Gkika, E.C., Drosos, D., Kargas, A., Komisopoulos, F., & Ntanos, S. (2025). The international ship and port facility security (isps) code and port-industry stakeholders’ satisfaction. Strategic Innovative Marketing and Tourism, Springer
Hart, K. (2019). An analysis on cargo handling performance and its effect on turnaround time of liner ships (a case of Tema port). Unpublished. Retreived 10th November, 2025 from; https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.12226.73922
Hlali, A. (2017). Efficiency of the 26 major container ports in 2015: Comparative analysis with different models. International Journal of Economics AND Strategies Management of Business, 10, 15-20.
International Maritime Organization. (2012). Guide to maritime security and the ISPS code. London, UK.
IMO (2002) Amendments to the Annex to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (SOLAS/CONF.5/32). December, London.
Jayawardena, N. S. (2020). A conceptual framework to measure operational efficiency of apparel industry in emerging economies. International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 37(4), 567.
Jesugbamila, J., (2010). Maritime security in age of terrorism. Unpublished long essay submitted in department of international studies and diplomacy, Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Nigeria.
Ju,S.M., & Liu, N. (2015). Efficiency and its influencing factors in port enterprises: Empirical evidence from Chinese port-listed companies. Maritime Policy and Management. 42(6), 571-590.
Mensah, E. A., Nani, G., Akoto, L. S., & Anlesinya, A. (2023). Seaport security strategies and performance: Insights from emerging economies. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 13(119), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13010119
Moerel, L., & Dezeure, F. (2017). Cyber security in ports: Business as usual? Vlaams Nederlandse Delta. Retrieved 15th November, 2025 from; http:// www.vndelta.eu/files/3215/1125/0649/Cyber_Security_in_Ports_Whitepaper_VND_vonference_ november_2017.pdf.
National Security Strategy (NSS). (2019). Office of the National Security Adviser, Abuja, Nigeria.
Ndikom, O. B. (2011). Fundamentals of freight forwarding management and practice in Nigeria. University of Ibadan Press.
Nnwaogbe, O. R., et al. (2023). Comparative study of Eastern Port operational performance. Journal of Strategic Development Studies and Law, 8(2), 153–163.

Nordfjeld, A., & Dalaklis, D. (2018). Assessing the need of implementing ISPS code instruments to Maritime Customs Units. Retrieved 20th November, 2025 from; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ 329427158_Assessing_the_need_of_implementing_ISPS_Code_instruments_to_Maritime_ Customs Units
Notteboom, T., Pallis, A. & Rodrigue, J.P. (2021). Port economics, management, and policy. Port economics, management, and policy | A comprehensive analysis of the port industry. Retrieved 18th November, 2025 from; https://porteconomicsmanagement.org
OECD. (2003). Security in maritime transport: Risk factors and economic impact. Paris: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Okolie, A. M., & Eze, O. I. (2019). Piracy, maritime security and Nigeria’s development: A threat to national interest and economic sustainability. South East Journal of Political Science, 5(2), 94–104.
Olalere, O. A., Temitope, A. K., John, O. O., & Oluwatobi, A. (2015). Evaluation of the impact of security threats on operational efficiency of the Nigerian Port Authority. Industrial Engineering & Management, 4(4), 172.
Onwuegbuchunam, D. E., Aponjolosun, M. O., Igboanusi, C., & Okeke, K. O. (2021). Maritime security regimes and impacts on Nigerian seaports. Open Journal of Safety Science and Technology, 11(4), 158-170.
Onwuegbuchunam, D.E., Aponjolosun, M.O., & Oludare, A.A. (2018). ISPS code’s compliance and operational performance in Nigeria seaports: Port users’ perspective. Journal of Shipping and Ocean Engineering, 8, 54- 62 doi 10.17265/2159-5879/2018.02.002
Onwuegbuchunam, D., Aponjolosun, M.O., & Ajayi, O.S. (2016). Assessment of the effect of the implementation of international ship and port facility security (ISPS) code on port operations: A case study of Tin Can Island port complex. European Journal of Business and Management,8(35), 20- 30
Oyetunde, O., Bello, A. O., & Adebayo, I. S. (2024). Port security governance and operational performance of Nigerian seaports. Future Business Journal, 10(1), Article 42. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40868-024-00142-z
Sadovaya, E., & Thai, V.V. (2015). Impacts of implementation of the effective maritime security management model (EMSMM) on organizational performance of shipping companies. The Asian Journal of Shipping and Logistics, 31(2), 195-215.
Scott, W. R. (2004). Institutions and organizations: Ideas and interests. Sage Publications.
Septian, E., Wibawa, T., Sularto, R.B., Endah, A.M., & Astuti, S. (2016). Kebijakan Non Penal Penerapan Isps Code Dalam Pencegahan Tindak Kejahatan Di Pelabuhan Tanjung Priok, Diponegoro Law Rev., 5(2), 1-15.
Thai, V.V. (2007). Impacts of security improvements on service quality in maritime transport: An empirical study of Vietnam. Maritime Economics and Logistics, 9, 335–356.
Theophilus, C. N., Joshua O., Nwachukwu, J., Eru, J.U., & Nwokeka, E. O (2022). Elongated cargo dwell time in Nigeria Ports, the root-source and economic implications. European Journal of Maritime Research. DOI: 10.24018/maritime.20221.1.2. Research 74 www.ej-maritime.org.
Ufia, F. M., Emeinke, G. C., & Otto, G. (2021). A comparative analysis of state of security in Eastern Ports of Nigeria before and after concession. The International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies, 9(4), 250–255.
UNCTAD. (2021). Review of maritime transport 2021. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (2007). Maritime Security: ISPS code Implementation, Costs and Related Financing. Report by Unctad secretariat March 14, 2007.
Ziaul, H.M. & Hans-Joachim, S. (2018), The impact of port infrastructure and logistics performance on economic growth: The mediating role of seaborne trade, Munim and Schramm Journal of Shipping and Trade, 3(1), 1-19,
Published
2025-12-12
How to Cite
Atim Nyong, N., & Hilary Waite, I. (2025). ISPS CODE IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF SEAPORTS IN EASTERN NIGERIA. GPH-International Journal of Business Management, 8(11), 17-29. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17908568