| Content | ABSTRACT
The core thrust of this study is to investigate the ship financing structure in the Nigerian middle of the expedition. Nigerian companies face problems far more enormous than their inability to raise the capital is far more historic than others.
The purpose of this study is to achieve the following objectives:
1. To know the concerns of the players in the shipping industry and the financial and relevant issues for both pafrties.
2. To access restrictions, requirements and expectations of the maritime and financial companies to facilitate a mutually beneficial relationship between the two.
3. coming up with an action plan based on the findings of the study to bridge the gap between shipping companies and financiers.
This study used primary and secondary research methods. Primary research was achieved through personal communication with managers and executives and the representatives of the following sectors: shipping companies, commercial banks, etc. N.I.M.A.S.A
In conclusion, it is hoped that the results of the study can be used as a guide to take appropriate measures to deal with dilemmas, concerns and problems of shipping companies to access competitive financing rates from banks local. | ABSTRACT
This study carried an assessment of the relationship between airfares and aircraft movements in Nigeria with focus on Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA). The study adopted empirical research method. Data on the relationship between airfares and aircraft movement, airfares and air passenger movement, airfares and air cargo movement and airfares and aviation fuel were sourced from Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for this study. The data collected and analyzed are presented in tables, figures, histogram and bar charts. The study revealed that airfares increase has insignificant influence on air passenger movement volume in Murtala Mohammed International Airport, that airfares increase has insignificant influence on air craft movement volume in Murtala Mohammed International Airport, that airfares increase has insignificant influence on air cargo movement volume in Murtala Mohammed International Airport and that there have been significant increase in airfares as a result of increasing cost of aviation fuel in Murtala Mohammed International Airport. Recommendation was made that airline companiesprotect themselves from volatile oil costs, and sometimes to even take advantage of the situation, airlines commonly practice fuel hedging. They do this by buying or selling the expected future price of oil through a range of investment products, protecting the airline companies against rising prices.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1Background of the Study
The Aviation industry can be defined as those activities that are directly related to the transporting of people and goods by air from one location to another (Onyeanu, 2009). Airline industry plays a major role in every countries economic activity and it aids in opening up of the countries market to both local and foreign investors (Samuel, 2006). Globalization has made it even more necessary for everyone to be every-where at anytime. Over 2.1 billion passengers departed on scheduled journey in 2006 (IATA 2007). Strong economists saw international passenger demand grow by 5.9%. Driving these development are further market liberalization and the availability of more fuel efficient and longer range aircraft that are better able to serve thinner routes.
Making a trip by air involves a set of complex experiences over a period of hours with many opportunities for the air passengers to be pleased and comfortable, or disappointed, frustrated and infuriated (Berry and Lampo, 2004). Air passengers make decisions on a particular flight to board based, largely on their perceived safety and past experiences with the airline, which in turn depend on the quality of service product provided by the airline. Airline operators increasingly strive to attract, build, and retain customers through the quality of their service product offerings. In this regard, many airline operators invest heavily on innovative, streamlined, and efficient service systems to improve performance and remain in the competition (Olsen, 2005), however, Churchill and Peter (1998) observe that not many of these investors have developed competitive edge over others. In Nigeria, for instance, some airlines have even suffered entropy (e.g., oriented, Barnax, Concorde, ADC, Sossoliso airlines). Perhaps, unable to provide the required service quality, some of these airlines experienced low patronage and abysmal profit margin; and eventually collapsed.
Air Fares are the price charged by airline operators for transporting a passenger from one destination to another destination and goods from one point to another point. The airline industry is unique in that there are various airline fare types. Imagine this: 2 customers walk into a local consumer electronics store to a purchase a television. They both walk out with the exact same TV—same size, same features, same model number but one customer is charged $350 more than the other. It sounds outrageous when making the comparison to any other industry, but this is completely accepted in the airline industry. Two economy passengers on a flight from San Francisco to New York compare their ticket prices only to find that one passenger paid hundreds of dollars more for the exact same flight (and they both still have to pay for $7 extra for a pillow and a blanket). Believe it or not, there is a method to the madness, and understanding this method can help you find the lowest fares for your clients. Or if that’s not possible, you can educate your clients on why you don’t have access to those airline fare types.
Air passengers are most likely to value low cost airfares and hitch-free and stress-free air travel experience. Air fares are critical in air passenger choice of flight booking. Customers are averse to airlines that are associated with incessant unexplained delays (Asiegbu, 2011), flight cancellations and track record of avoidable air mishaps. Air travelers consider ticketing systems, flight connections, processing time, security checks, booking systems, Routine and periodic servicing and maintenance systems of aircraft, refunds that accompany flight cancellations and passenger experience management systems of airlines in making decision to board any airline.
The aviation industry as we know it in the current form went through a long development. The process of internationalization, globalization, and many other factors greatly increased the amount of travelling people. Trade agreements, expansion of cargo transportation caused greater mobility of business travelers. The behavior of leisure passengers also changed. All these factors have had a notable impact on creating of the airline airfare strategies.
Traditional carriers can offer two different vertical quality products (economy cabin vs. business cabin, refundable ticket vs. nonrefundable ticket, VIP lounge access vs. no VIP lounge access), while low-cost carriers offer only one type of product (economy cabin, nonrefundable ticket and no VIP lounge access). Customers for this product could be divided into two types of travelers, business travelers and leisure travelers. Both of these categories have different preferences and look at the quality product. It is important to remember that these differences have significant impact on airfares of airline. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the relationship between airfares and aircraft movements in Nigeria.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
There are four key factors threatening Nigeria’s airline industry. One is that everything about aircraft maintenance, including repairs and most often technical personnel is imported and C-check is done overseas. So in a recession whereby over N400 is exchanging for $1, it is difficult for Nigerian airlines that sell tickets in naira to raise enough funds to maintain their aircraft.
Two, over 40 per cent of operational cost is spent on aviation fuel. Today that product sells at N230 per litre because it is imported. Nigeria has refineries that are not working. They were not privatised and under the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) they have not been put to good use for years, so Nigeria imports its fuel products.
Three, airfares do not reflect the actual cost of operation because of the low disposable income of Nigerian citizens. At the current cost of aviation fuel and maintenance, for a Nigerian airline to make profit it should charge about N45, 000 for one-hour flight, according to aviation analysts. This amount will seem outrageous but that is the actual pricing that could generate profitable revenue for airlines. But airlines cannot charge N45, 000 for one-hour flight. If they do they would lose customers.
The fourth factor is that Nigerian airlines have lost over 40 per cent of their passenger traffic since February this year due to the downturn of Nigeria’s economy. The passenger traffic continues to deplete as recession sets in and the industry continues to degenerate.
It is all these challenges that are threatening the operations of Nigeria’s domestic airlines. Aero and First Nation Airways have suspended their scheduled services and there is fear that other airlines may join as the economy bites harder and as they find it difficult to continue to maintain their aircraft and purchase aviation fuel at a very exorbitant rate. Aero Contractors on Wednesday announced suspension of scheduled services from Thursday September 1, 2016. A statement from the Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu, said the development was part of the strategic business realignment to reposition the airline and return it to the part of profitability. The airline said this business decision, which is a result of the current economic situation in the country, has forced some other airlines to suspend operation or outrightly pull out of Nigeria. In the case of Aero, Akinkuotu said the airline had faced grave challenges in the past six months, which impacted its business and by extension the scheduled services operations. “These factors, according to him are both internal and external environmental factors that have made it difficult for the foremost airline to continue its scheduled services,” the airline said.
The growth and performance of domestic airlines and their ultimate survival is threatened by the burden of managing these challenges. The possible solution to the aforementioned challenges is interconnected with airfare price of airline operators. Airfare price of airline operators is connected with aircraft movement, air cargo movement and air passenger movement. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the relationship between airfares and aircraft movements in Nigeria.
1.3 Aims and Objectives of the Study
The aim of this study is to carry out an assessment of the relationship between airfares and aircraft movements in Nigeria. Other objectives are;
1. To determine the relationship between airfares and air passenger movement in aviation industry in Nigeria.
2. To discover the relationship between airfares and aircraft movement in aviation industry in Nigeria.
3. To examine the relationship between airfares and air cargo movement in aviation industry in Nigeria.
4. To access the relationship between airfares and aviation fuel in aviation industry in Nigeria.
1.4 Research Questions
The following research question were sought so as to provide solutions to the problems of the study.
1. Will airfares affect air passenger movement in aviation industry in Nigeria?
2. Is there a relationship between airfares and aircraft movement in aviation industry in Nigeria?
3. Can airline airfares determine air cargo movement in aviation industry in Nigeria?
4. What is the implication of high aviation fuel on airfares in aviation industry in Nigeria?
1.5 Justification of the Study
Transportation is an essential part of economic development. It is one of the indices for measuring the development of a country. Nigeria’s Airport transport infrastructure has been identified as a crucial component for the economic development of the country FGN (2007). A good transportation network expands economic activities by improving accessibility and facilitates movement of passengers, mails and cargo goods to all the nooks and cronies of the country. According to Oni and Okanlawon, transport is the cornerstone of civilization. As the society and economic organizations become complex, the relevance of transport grows. Also, the demand for transport is a derived one, because it depends on the demand for the commodities carried or the benefit of personal travel and each travel is unique in time and space. Hence, the demand for transport services increases with the extension of the input-output relationships of an economy. Transport infrastructural development remains a major tool for achieving meaningful development.
1.6 Scope of the Study
This study is an investigation of the relationship between airfares and aircraft movements in Nigeria. This study will not involve all airline operators in Nigeria aviation sector. It would be limited to information obtained from Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Office only. This study limitation is further constraint by time, finance and difficulty in information dissemination in Nigeria Aviation industry.
1.7 Study Area
Geographically, the city of Lagos lies in south-western Nigeria and lies approximately on longitude 3° 24' E and latitude 6° 27' N. It covers an area of 3,577sq.km. The Metropolitan Lagos extends over sixteen (16) of the twenty (20) Local Government Areas of Lagos State, and contains 88% of the population of Lagos State. Lagos is the smallest and most important city in the Federation of Nigeria. The country, which is located in the coast of West Africa, consists of 36 states and a capital territory. Nigeria shares borders with Benin, Cameroon and Niger. Lagos is one of the important cities in Nigeria, which is situated in the south-western coast of Nigeria. The Metropolitan area of Lagos takes up to 37 per cent of the land area of Lagos State and houses about 90 per cents of its population (Unicef 1995, Aina 1994a). Lagos is a huge metropolis which originated on islands separated by creeks such as Lagos Island that fringe the southwest mouth of Lagos Lagoon protected from the Atlantic Ocean by long sand spits such as Bar Beach which stretch up to 100 km east and west of the mouth. From the beginning Lagos has spread on the mainland west of the lagoon and the conurbation, including Ikeja (Figs 1&2) and Agege, now reaches more than 40 km north-west of Lagos Island. | TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
Approval Page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Certification
List of Tables
Table of Contents
Abstract
CHAPTER ONE:
Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Purpose of the Study
1.4 Significance of the Study
1.5 The Scope of Study
1.6 Research Questions
1.7 Research Hypotheses
CHAPTER TWO:
Litersature Review
Theoretical Perspective
Summary of Related Literature
CHAPTER THREE:
Research Methodology
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Area of Study
3.3 Population of the Study
3.4 Sample and Sampling Technique
3.5 Instrument for Data
3.6 Validation of the Instrument
3.7 Reliability of the Instrument
3.8 Method for Data Collection
3.9 Method of Data Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR:
Data Analysis and Result
4.1 Result Research Analysis
4.2 The t-test Analysis for Hypothesis
4.3 Summary of Findings
CHAPTER FIVE:
Discussion, Conclusion, Implication and Recommendation
5.1 Discussion of the Finding
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Implications
5.4 Recommendation
5.5 Suggestions for Further Research
Bibliography
Appendices | ABSTRACT
Transportation and traffic problems particularly, traffic congestion, delays, parking space difficulties, environmental pollution which started to manifest in Lagos since the early 1980's have continued to increase at an alarming rate and have now reached an abominable stage in recent years. It is pertinent to highlight the relevance of creek road in Apapa. Any traffic hindrance on it will definitely generate a lot of hiccups in the logistics business that is the core activity on this road. The aim of this study is to critically evaluate accessibility to Lagos port. The objectives are to: determine the traffic characteristics; traffic congestion; and determine the points of conflicts in Apapa, carry out traffic counts and determine its flow along these intersections. Propose alternative modal choice at relieving the traffic madness in and out of Apapa. The study has found that the rise in vehicular activities owing to the population increase and economic activity, there has been overdependence on the seaports for delivery of cargo and the availability of oil tank farms also affects the level of service provided by the road and its intersections. Therefore, the study has found out that there is a need to increase capacity of the roads and its intersection. Then, the study concluded that based on its findings, the authorities need to put the roads in good conditions for its efficiency. The government should step up their related regulatory roles of the port logistics business, provide and sensitize the usage of alternatives to road movement of cargoes. The use of rail and higher vessels for moving containers to both off-dock terminals and across the cities should be encouraged. Rail form of transportation should be encouraged as a means of accessing the ports
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
It is pertinent to highlight the relevance of creek road in Apapa. Any traffic hindrance on it will definitely generate a lot of hiccups in the logistics business that is the core activity on this road.
Creek road is the major road that leads from the premier Apapa port (Wharf) all the way to link one of the country's international airports (Murtala Muhammad airport, Ikeja); which is several kilometres away from each other
This road is one of the roads that yields quantum amount of revenue to the financial cover of the federal government of Nigeria. In terms of interconnectivity, it links Tin Can Island Port, Conmaldi and some other container ports and oil farm depots are located along the route. The perpetual and incessant traffic congestion caused by heavy duty shipments on it’s on it has really affected activities as turnaround in doing businesses on this corridor elongated more than necessary.
Several efforts in the past and recent times have been made in finding lasting solution to this traffic menace, but yielded no desirable results. Most of the government efforts at resolving this issue have always been sort of Fire Brigade Approach. There is urgent need for alternate routes and modes of travel in and out of the port.
Multi-modal transport system is required. It is quite obvious that traffic congestion is the largest hindrance to the success of transportation/logistics business most especially in this part of the world. Its impact can never be under-estimated as every country is devising methodologies and techniques in combating this traffic menace.
Road traffic in and out of sea port complexes become more crowded and less safe everyday in Lagos, Nigeria. In the past, road transportation was not a very big problem due to the small number of vehicles that were on our roads. During the last years, since the number of vehicles (automobiles and Road vehicles) increased, a lot of traffic problems have occurred. Apapa, a city in Lagos State would be the location and subject of this study due to extremely high port-related activities in the area.
This increase in vehicular activities has led to congestions and delays when entering or leaving Apapa, especially during the peak hours and this has called for the study of alternative transport mode use and intersections management in the area to know how they are faring in directing and controlling traffic, especially how those intersection tend to reduce conflicts along the three major intersections in Apapa - Liverpool Road, Point Road and Wharf Road. Where two or more roads meet is called an intersection and this usually presents an opportunity for conflicts among vehicles, because it is an area designated for the vehicles to turn to different directions to reach their desired destinations. The main functions of intersections is to guide vehicles moving in different directions to their respective paths, thereby improving safety, reducing conflicts, and increasing the flow of traffics. Intersection safety remains a challenge for intersection designers.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Several factors contribute to the traffic menace into and out of Apapa port complex. These include the lack of holding bays, which is an unprofessional way of doing shipping business. Many shipping companies in Apapa area operate their businesses without having personal stemming port/ holding bays for export shipments. This has become necessary on the same road with the efforts to return empty containers back to the Apapa Port. Other factor include the import/export profitability, which is to establish the cost difference between import and export shipments vis-a-vis its economic impact especially profitability in most of the Inland container Depots. Against this backdrop, this research effort will include the causes such as-lack of holding bays for empty containers, unorganized parks by container trucks before proceeding to the port for loading and off-loading, effect of oil farms situated along this corridor, the narrow nature of the road especially in the trucking of heavy duty shipments, lack of alternative transport mode to road in this area which have alleviated the current situation for better. On the other hand, the cumulated effect of this unending traffic congestion is multi-dimensional to the economic sustainability of logistic business on this corridor.
Underutilization of the Railway system, Lagos Lagoonal System and pipeline with over-dependence on road, the over-pressurization of road has brought about the endemic problems on the road itself and associated infrastructures. The road is characterized by accident, road mishaps, traffic congestion and robberies etc.
The poor traffic situation arises as a result of the various roles of Apapa as industrial, commercial, educational, administrative and transportation centre. Also, the geographic location of the city, the unruly behaviours of drivers and the sudden rise in car ownership consequent upon improved standards of living, use of trailers and tankers have all combined to compound the problem.
This rapid growth in the population of Lagos has exerted tremendous pressure on the existing deteriorating transport infrastructure in the study area, due to the fact that Oshodi/ Apapa Expressway is the main artery in Nigeria's commercial capital, Lagos, it is a major link to many inlets and outlets within and outside the metropolis.
The road intersections at Apapa were designed about four decades ago and at the time posed no problems. But the increase in vehicular activities - heavy duty vehicles and cars, cause great problems because capacity had not been taken into consideration as at the time of designing those road intersections, thereby causing great conflicts and delays to motorists. The increased economic activity in Apapa has caused a tremendous increase in trucks, cars and pedestrians which in turn creates untold hardships to road users who have to contend with the same capacity of roads built long ago. This increase in vehicular activities increases the conflicts at these intersections thereby causing delays, accidents and loss of man-hours that would have been used efficiently.
Most businesses in Nigeria depend on the Nigerian seaports for the supply of their goods and materials and more than 90% of that passes through Apapa thereby making Apapa a commercial hub for businesses. There is no gain saying the fact that logistics has a lot to do with time, but the problems caused by the capacity of intersections to exit vehicles faster in Apapa are just too much. On a very busy day, it could take a truck up to twelve hours to drive into Apapa from point Road intersection and another twelve hours to take delivery and exit through point road intersection or Liverpool.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of this study is to critically analyze the conflicts that occur within an intersection from the conflict point of view and try to explain what happens and why at the three intersections at Apapa. In the same vein, the study will focus on the safety of those intersections, the levels of control and the capacity of those intersections to control traffic. The aim of this study is to critically evaluate accessibility to Lagos port. The objectives are to:
· determine the traffic characteristics;
· traffic congestion; and
· determine the points of conflicts in Apapa carry out traffic counts and determine its flow along these intersections.
· propose alternative modal choice at relieving the traffic madness in and out of Apapa.
1.4 Scope of the Study
The scope of this study is to evaluate the impact of traffic congestion impacts in Oshodi Apapa Express way, precisely at the axis of Toyota Junction/Ladipo Auto dealer Market/Airport Road. The research study seeks to evaluate the traffic congestion within this route, its attendant effects on road users' enroute Airport Road from Oshodi, Mushin and Apapa and possible solution to the problem. The scope of this study was limited to this part of Oshodi-Apapa expressway in Lagos Nigeria, this is as a result of the peculiar nature and state of the road and the kind of traffic generated on this road on daily bases. Basically, the study investigated issues arising from the objectives of the study, that is , the road condition, traffic conflict point, transportation and road intersection as well as various land use activities and socio-economic activities present along the corridor in terms of adjoining land uses that causes delay in traffic flow such as street trading, pedestrian movement, among others will be assessed, to ensure these activities do not obstruct the flow of traffic along the corridor any more.
1.5 Significance of study
The sustenance of a nation's economic growth hinges on unhindered free flowing, advanced and smart transportation systems.
The study would assist in alleviating the traffic congestion resulting from the neglect of other transport modes apart from road. This study would be relevant to city designers and engineers involved in the design of intersections, in that it would increase knowledge as to what is needed or the basic factors to be considered when designing intersections. This study will also increase knowledge to students who are interested in conflict resolution in Port Areas. The study will also be beneficial to drivers, especially motorists and pedestrians, to understand the causes of conflicts at intersection because 95% of those accidents are due to driver error and wrong perceptions of other road users.
Most importantly, it would be beneficial to business owners and logistic companies which will enable them carry out their business effectively and efficiently.
This study is also significant in that all road users would be equipped with a better understanding of the workings of intersections and this will go a long way in reducing conflicts and accidents.
1.6 Limitations of study
This study will concentrate on the causes of accidents and delays related only to conflicts that happen at the selected intersections and would not cover other causes of accidents in Apapa. The study will not go beyond the descriptions of conflicts at intersections in Apapa and the roles it plays in the movement of traffic.
1.7 Study Area
Lagos state is situated in the South Western Nigeria within latitude 602' N to 604'N and longitude 2045 E to 4020 E. The state is bounded form the North and East by Ogun State, in the West by the Republic of Benin and the south by the Atlantic Ocean. The total land mass of the state stretches over 3,345 kilometers with an estimated population of about 15 million. Apapa is the major port of the city of Lagos, Nigeria and is located to the west of Lagos Island, across Lagos harbor. It also one of Nigeria 774 local government areas. The study Area covers the distance between wharf Road and Warehouse Road, with geographical coordinate 6 27 N 3 22 E /6.450 N 3.367 E. the local government is bounded from the North by marine beach to include mobile offices and Ijora; while to the South by Atlantic Ocean, East by Lagos Lagoon, and West by Lagos Lagoon. The total landmass of the local government stretches over 38.5 kilometer. | TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
Approval Page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Certification
List of Tables
Table of Contents
Abstract
CHAPTER ONE:
Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Purpose of the Study
1.4 Significance of the Study
1.5 The Scope of Study
1.6 Research Questions
1.7 Research Hypotheses
CHAPTER TWO:
Literature Review
Theoretical Perspective
Summary of Related Literature
CHAPTER THREE:
Research Methodology
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Area of Study
3.3 Population of the Study
3.4 Sample and Sampling Technique
3.5 Instrument for Data
3.6 Validation of the Instrument
3.7 Reliability of the Instrument
3.8 Method for Data Collection
3.9 Method of Data Analysis
CHAPTER FOUR:
Data Analysis and Result
4.1 Result Research Analysis
4.2 The t-test Analysis for Hypothesis
4.3 Summary of Findings
CHAPTER FIVE:
Discussion, Conclusion, Implication and Recommendation
5.1 Discussion of the Finding
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Implications
5.4 Recommendation
5.5 Suggestions for Further Research
Bibliography
Appendices | CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
· Background of the Study
Countries with small populations and higher levels of development may cope with globalization better, but they cannot afford to opt out of the mainstream forces that are shaping the world. There is, however, no doubt that economic and socio-political discontentment leads to existential discontent for populations who feel that they are marginalized either as individuals in their own societies or as nations unable to cope with the economic crises (Saighal, 2003). ICT is spearheading the current stage of globalization, which is proceeding further with fragmentation of the social state, and national governance, with wider consequences for national, regional and international security matters. Hence, the resurgence of the phenomenon of maritime piracy in contemporary Africa, the consequence of which negatively impacts on the continent’s rubrics, fabrics and ramifications of security: economic, social, political, commercial, energy, environmental, humanitarian, investments, developmental, revenue, etc, is the stepchild of both local and global explanations, and dimensions which calls for urgent attention.
The development and application of risk assessment and management techniques to maritime security must take into account the complex regulatory and operational context in which the maritime industry operates. The purpose here is not to propose new security-risk assessment models, but rather to point out some of the deficiencies of the existing ones in the broader perspective of the supply chain approach to maritime security. More specifically, the paper introduces an initial security risk assessment and management framework capable of reflecting the logistics scope of transport networks. The focus is to shift the subject of maritime security from the current agenda of facility-security to an extended framework of supply chain security. The document also reviews existing approaches to measuring transport security compliance costs and funding schemes adopted by industry and governments in order to finance the costs of security regulations. While advocating the adoption of any particular security measure is not within the scope of this analysis, the paper nevertheless not only argues that the new international security regulatory framework is a challenge, but also an opportunity to be seized. Although the new security requirements impose an additional regulatory burden on all concerned parties, security-driven business practices and operational procedures have the potential of improving efficiency and trade competitiveness.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Maritime security is, indeed, a quandary (Uadiale and Yonmo, 2010a). The disintegration of central government authority, the lack of maritime security has, therefore, become a grave problem. The Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Guinea are thus symbols of “the few cases in Africa where security onland have spilled over and affected maritime security severely”. The lack of maritime security in the region and the fact that it was not possible to enforce the law and maintain good order at sea, threatened maritime communication, maritime sovereignty and stimulated piracy. While much of the insecurity mid-wifed, piracy of the Somalia coast stems from the collapse of governance, and law and order in Somalia, in the Gulf of Guinea, the situation is somewhat different. Maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea is more directly politically driven. In Nigeria, politics onland directly result in offshore actions, causing the hub of insecurity onland in the Niger Delta region to spill into the Gulf of Guinea to promote bad order at sea. According to the maritime watchdog – the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), the waters of Nigeria are now the second most dangerous in the world, next to Somalia.The proliferation of piracy in the West African region has been of concern amongst government and the oil industry since 1999. With militant groups turning pirates in the Niger Delta, claiming that they are sabotaging the oil industry for political purposes in protest of the mismanagement of Nigeria’s oil wealth. However, these political grievances are increasingly taking on a criminal nature (Uadiale and Yonmo, 2010a).
1.3 Significance of the Study
Information Communication Technology (ICT) refers to several forms of information exchange between two or more devices like computers, mobile PDAs and hi-tech devices through which any of the several methods of interconnection, principally through the Internet can be initiated to perform a defined task. These technologies provide speedy, inexpensive, secure and convenient means of communication.
Therefore, in developing countries Nigeria precisely, the impact of ICT in the maritime sector for maritime operations and security cannot be over emphasized.It is as a result of this that this research study is determined to assess the impact of ICT on security of Maritime operations.
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The objective of this study is to assessthe application of information systems in the prevention of pollution in the maritime industry.
1.5 Research Questions
1. How can information systems be used in the prevention of pollution in the maritime industry?
1.6 Research Hypotheses
Ho: Information systems cannot be used to prevent pollution in the maritime industry.
Hi: Information systems can be used to prevent pollution in the maritime industry.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
1. Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
2. Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.
1.8 Scope of the Study
The study focuses on the application of information systems in the prevention of pollution in the maritime industry with rivers port as a case study.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Maritime: This is connected with the sea, especially in rerlation to seaborne trade or naval matters.
Pollution: This refers to the presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.
Information and Communications Technology: This refers to an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and applications. |
