CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Shipping is the most convenient and cost-effective means of cargo transportation, owing to its ability to move freight in enormous volumes, which is almost four times the capacity of rail and air transportation (Olalere, 2015). When compared to other modes of transportation, maritime transport remains the most significant kind of international transportation in terms of trade enhancement. Containerization refers to the act of transferring products from a ship to a yard using a common box known as a container.

Powerful cranes, berths, tractors, trailers, and straddle carriers are all used in this process.

According to Steenken et al. (2004), it is critical for port terminals to be able to ensure a quick operation in order to decrease delays in commodities organization, planning, and control techniques. The tactics for protecting the port and delivering goods to ships, railroads, and trucks, as well as cutting transit time, are among them. These activities are not without security risks, and a terminal’s effectiveness is consequently largely determined by its internal security. Due to the high cost of safeguarding port facilities, it is important for port administrators to make better decisions in order to maximize their performance and thereby increase the terminal’s productivity by reducing the cost and time of operation (Olalere, 2015).

More than two million commercial container shipments pass through the oceans every day, and security is critical to guaranteeing the smooth flow of trade and commerce via cargo transportation. Video surveillance, access control, perimeter detection, management software, building technology, and the right people and procedures are all required to maintain or upgrade seaport security (Olalere, 2015).

As a result, the correct operation of a security system for a seaport necessitates a considerable level of flexibility and adaptability. While security is always a top priority, a seaport is first and foremost a commercial concern, and any disruption in the free movement of goods and equipment has tangible and financial consequences.

1.2       STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The Nigerian ports serve as a major means of importing and exporting goods, even travelling. As important as it is, its operational efficiency is has been facing challenges over the years, most especially security challenges which prevent its full functionality. Not many materials have been written on this topic and thus, such issues have not been fully brought to the fore. However, thus study seeks to evaluate the Impact of Security Threats on Operational Efficiency of the Nigerian Port Authority

1.3       OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the Impact of Security Threats on Operational Efficiency of the Nigerian Port Authority. Thus, the following objectives;

1. To determine the security threats on the operational efficiency of the Nigerian Port Authority.

2. To evaluate the impact of these security threats on the NPA.

3. To proffer solutions to the threats challenging the operational efficiency of the NPA.

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1.4       RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following questions guide this research;

1. What are the security threats on the operational efficiency of the Nigerian Port Authority?

2. What are the impacts of these security threats on the NPA?

3. What are the possible solutions to these threats challenging the operational efficiency of the NPA?

1.5       SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be significant to the Nigerian Port Authority as it will take a look into the security threats challenging its operational efficiency and possible solutions to bring an end to these threats. It will also be an addition to already existing materials on the NPA and it will allow for other researchers to delve deeper or give a different perspective on the subject matter.

1.6       SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study will only cover the impact of the security threats on the operational efficiency of the Nigerian Port Authority. It will also look at the possible solutions that can be used against these security threats on the efficiency of the NPA.

1.7       LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The only limitation faced by the researcher in the course of this study is lack of funds to fully expatiate on the subject matter.

1.8       DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY: Operational efficiency is a metric for resource allocation that may be defined as the ratio of a company’ output to the input required to operate the firm.

2. SECURITY THREATS: Simply refers to risks that could potentially harm organizations efficiency in delivering services.