Abstract: This study
investigates how infrastructure development influences maritime supply chain
efficiency in Nigeria, focusing on three dimensions: Infrastructure Development
Index (IDI), Port Infrastructure Quality (PIQ), and Transportation
Infrastructure Quality (TIQ). Primary data were collected from 207 permanent
employees of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) at Warri and Port Harcourt
ports. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in STATA 15, the analysis
revealed that PIQ (β = 0.8703, p < 0.001) and IDI (β = 0.207, p < 0.001)
significantly enhance maritime supply chain efficiency. Conversely, TIQ showed
a negative relationship (β = -0.0593, p = 0.007), indicating that external
transport networks (e.g., roads, rail) undermine efficiency due to congestion
and poor connectivity. These results underscore the critical role of integrated
infrastructure planning, where port improvements must align with hinterland
transport upgrades. The study contributes empirical evidence to maritime
logistics literature in emerging economies and offers actionable insights for
policymakers. Future efforts should address Nigeria’s fragmented transport
systems through coordinated investments, digitalization, and policy reforms to
unlock supply chain potential.
Keywords: Infrastructure
Development, Port Infrastructure, Transportation Quality, Supply Chain
Efficiency, Nigeria.