INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY 

The history of port development in Nigeria dates back to the middle of 19thcentury. This was long after the onset of sea borne trade and transactions which followed the adventures of early explorations of African coats. Initial efforts towards provision of facilities for ocean going vessels were the attempts to open up the entrance to the Lagos Lagoon. Considerable littoral drift occurred along this coast, and the constantly shifting charnels in the bar at the entrance made entry very difficult. 

On February 1, 1914, the first mail-steamer s/s ‘AKOKO drawing 5.64 metres entered the Lagos harbour. Two months later, vessels began to use the facilities provided at the customs wharf on Lagos Island.

Prior to this time, explorative and trade activities involving European missionaries and businessman in Africa made the existence of a port on the wide coastal stretch from Calabar to Lagos imperative. Specifically, in the 15th century the Europeans opened marine contract and discovered the rich natural resources in the west and central African region that were needed for their economic and industrial revolution. As a result, the Bight of Benin was opened up by John d’Averro, of portuguest in 1485 and in1553, captain wyndh arm of Britain landed on the nation’s coast. The first major breakthrough in opening was in 1906 up the Lagos Lagoon.

Decision to develop Apapa port was taken in 1913 and construction of the first four deep-water berths of 548.64 metres long at Apapa began in 1921.

In 1913, Port Harcourt port was opened to shipping by Lord Lugard, the Governor General. The railway line to Gugu was completed three years later in 1916.

In 1960, the Nigerian ports authority embarked on an elaborate manpower development through cadetship training awards, emphasis was on maririe-Engineering, accountancy, general management, civil mechanical and electrical engineering.

Lagos is the only available ports serving the country’s maritime transportation needs. 

The Federal military government enacted a special decree which empowered the Nigerian ports authority to acquire the ports of narri, Bunltu and Calabar previously operated by private entrepreneurs. 

 Holts transport were former owners of werri port.

 UAC owned bumetu port 

 Calabar port was originally owned by five operators 

NPA spent N3.35 million at the time to acquire these ports. 

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM 

Based on the study of the current mode of the operation, the manual and recurrent procedures of working could bring about errors and reduced productivity. Customers as a result of eagerness would prefer that their goods cleared on time but since they are so many activities involved there is delay in the processing. Items may be mixed up during numbering and duly roles allocated for identical items. The storage method of information such as and other important documents can easily be cost hence attracting distrust of the agency by the client.