SUSTAINABLE MARITIME TRANSPORT AND BLUE ECONOMY DRIVERS AS PATHWAYS FOR MARITIME SECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Authors

  • Christopher Chiedozie Ikeogu Federal University of Technology, Department of Logistics and Transport Technology
  • Julius Gbabojor Pondi Federal University of Technology, Department of Logistics and Transport Technology
  • Wilfred Isioma Ukpere Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, School of Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, corner Kingsway & University Road
  • Francis Monyei Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, School of Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, corner Kingsway & University Road

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v22.n6.4015

Keywords:

Blue Economy, Sustainable Maritime Transport, Environmental Shipping Index, Liner Shipping Connectivity, Maritime GDP, Sustainable Development Theory, Resource-Based View, Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria’s maritime sector holds significant potential for advancing sustainable economic growth, yet it remains constrained by inefficiencies in transport operations, weak environmental standards, and limited global integration. This study investigates the combined and individual effects of Sustainable Maritime Transport (SMT), Environmental Shipping Index (ESI), and Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (LSCI) on maritime-sector development in Nigeria between 2007 and 2022. Secondary data were obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian Ports Authority, UNCTAD, and the International Association of Ports and Harbours. Analytical tools, including SPSS, EViews, AMOS, and NVivo, were employed to perform regression, diagnostic, and thematic analyses. The regression results reveal that SMT (β = 0.574, p < 0.01), ESI (β = 0.366, p < 0.01), and LSCI (β = 0.401, p < 0.05) each have a significant positive effect on maritime GDP. The combined model indicates that the three variables jointly explain 83.5% of the variation in Nigeria’s maritime-sector output. These findings validate the Sustainable Development Theory and Resource-Based View (RBV) by demonstrating that economic efficiency, environmental stewardship, and global connectivity are mutually reinforcing drivers of maritime sustainability. The study concludes that advancing Nigeria's blue economy requires a coordinated policy framework that integrates port modernization, environmental governance, and trade facilitation. It contributes to maritime scholarship by proposing a triple-helix framework that interlinks sustainable transport, environmental performance, and connectivity as strategic levers for sustainable maritime development in emerging economies.

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Published

2025-12-15

How to Cite

Ikeogu, C. C., Pondi, J. G., Ukpere, W. I., & Monyei, F. (2025). SUSTAINABLE MARITIME TRANSPORT AND BLUE ECONOMY DRIVERS AS PATHWAYS FOR MARITIME SECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA. Veredas Do Direito, 22(6), e224015. https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v22.n6.4015

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 6 (2025): Veredas do Direito, v. 22, n. 6 2025

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Articles

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