An Assessment of the Influence of Cabotage Trade Operations on The Nigerian Maritime Industry

This research assesses the influence of Cabotage trade operations on the development of the Nigerian maritime industry. A time series data were obtained from NIMASA and NPA annual bulletin (2004-2013) on the pillars of cabotage and total cabotage trade operations were analysed using the ordinary least square (OLS) method of the Multi linear Regression algorithm, and were analysed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS V.20), to determine the degree of significance of the pillars of cabotage as it influences cabotage trade operations. From the findings, it was deduced that, the number of Nigerian registered vessels (X2) and indigenous human capacity development (X3) variables are statistically significant and correlates positively with the dependent variable. It was however, recommended that marine transport policy makers should stimulate private and public sector investments in the development of maritime infrastructure and construction of ship building dock yards. In conclusion, cabotage trade operations in Nigeria needs strict control and management measures, so that the problems of foreign domination can be effectively checkmated and maximum efficiency achieved.