JOURNAL OF LIAONING TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
(NATURAL SCIENCE EDITION)
LIAONING GONGCHENG JISHU DAXUE XUEBAO (ZIRAN KEXUE BAN)
辽宁工程技术大学学报（自然科学版）
AN ASSESSMENT OF PORT GOVERNANCE MODEL AND ITS IMPACT ON PORT PERFORMANCE: A CASE STUDY OF NIGERIAN SEAPORTS
AJAYI Olusesan Oluyemi, ADENIYI, Sarafadeen Diran (Ph.D)
Abstract
This study critically assesses the implementation and impact of the landlord port governance model on port performance in selected Nigerian seaports—Onne, Warri, Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Port Harcourt. The study aimed to evaluate the model’s governance structure, investigate its influence on time-related performance metrics, and explore transparency-enhancing components critical to its implementation. A descriptive survey design was employed, targeting senior personnel from regulatory agencies, shipping lines, terminal operators, freight forwarders, and relevant trade associations. A sample of 393 respondents was drawn using Yamane’s formula from a population of 24,966. Data were collected using structured questionnaires comprising both closed- and open-ended questions across five thematic sections. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, with inferential statistics conducted via One-Way ANOVA to determine significant differences in stakeholder perceptions. The findings reveal statistically significant impacts of the landlord port governance model on port performance. Governance structure and configuration were shown to significantly affect transparency and operational efficiency (F = 109.3; p < 0.05). Time-related performance metrics also demonstrated substantial influence (F = 143.23; p < 0.05). Furthermore, transparency components, including stakeholder integration and digitalisation efforts, were found to be central to improved port outcomes (F = 73.19 and 25.40; p < 0.05, respectively). The study concludes that the landlord model, when underpinned by robust governance, transparency mechanisms, and stakeholder collaboration, significantly enhances port performance. Key recommendations include continuous review of governance structures, formal stakeholder integration in decision-making, institutionalisation of digital transparency tools, and standardised performance metrics across seaports to ensure sustainable and accountable port reform in Nigeria.
Keywords: Landlord port model, Port performance, Transparency, Governance structure, Stakeholder integration