ASSESSMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND SHIPPING OPERATIONS PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIAN MARITIME INDUSTRY

This study evaluated the impact of information technology infrastructure development on shipping operations performance in Nigeria maritime industry. Specifically, it examined how Network Infrastructure (NI), Hardware Infrastructure (HI), Software Infrastructure (SI), and Peopleware Infrastructure (PI) influence Tracking and Tracing of Consignments (TTC), Timeliness in Cargo Delivery (TCD), Route Optimisation (RO), and Supply Chain Integration (SCI). The study was guided by four objectives, research questions, and null hypotheses. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire measured on a four-point Likert scale. The study population comprised 200 maritime-sector personnel, including warehouse operators, shipping managers, freight forwarders, inventory managers, and other port and shipping personnel. Using Taro Yamane’s formula, a sample size of 133 respondents was selected for the study. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that information technology infrastructure significantly improved shipping operations performance. A unit increase in NI, HI, SI, and PI resulted in improvements of 2.022, 1.256, 3.075, and 1.242 units respectively in Tracking and Tracing of Consignments. Similarly, a unit increase in NI, HI, SI, and PI produced improvements of 6.044, 3.138, 1.155, and 2.010 units respectively in Timeliness in Cargo Delivery. The results further showed improvements of 1.082, 2.128, 1.031, and 2.030 units respectively in Route Optimisation, while Supply Chain Integration improved by 1.110, 2.042, 3.091, and 2.104 units respectively. Therefore, the null hypotheses were rejected, indicating that network, hardware, software, and peopleware infrastructure significantly influence shipping operations performance in Nigeria maritime industry. The study concludes that IT infrastructure development is vital to efficient maritime logistics, as reliable networks enable real-time information exchange, modern hardware supports cargo monitoring, software improves operational coordination, and skilled personnel ensure effective technology utilisation. The study recommends that the Nigerian Ports Authority, terminal operators, shipping companies, and other maritime stakeholders should invest in reliable and integrated network infrastructure, interoperable software systems, modern tracking equipment, and continuous digital-skills training to improve cargo visibility, delivery timeliness, route efficiency, and supply-chain integration