Title:
EFFECTS OF PORT CONCESSION ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN NIGERIAN PORTS AUTHORITY (A CASE STUDY OF PORTS IN RIVERS STATE)

Authors:
Nwoloziri, Chinyeaka Nwokodi, Ndubuisi, Kenneth Ezebunwa, Nigeria

Abstract:

This research was carried out to study the effects of port concession on employment opportunities in Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), using Port Harcourt and Onne Ports as the case studies.  Primary source of data collection was employed using a well-structured questionnaire designed by the researcher to answer the research questions. The researcher adopted SPSS computer software version 23, to analyze the data collected on this research and in order to answer the research questions. The researcher formulated the research hypotheses as follows: NPA staff strength in post concession era is high; There is significant improvement on work benefits in the post concession era (in terms of salary, health insurance, promotion, job security and on-the-job training); There is significant increase in the level of employment in NPA in the post concession era; There are vacant positions in NPA in post concession era; NPA hopes to employ more staffs in post concession era. The research found that NPA staff strength in post concession era is not high and has not increased, that NPA has maintained low staff strength. It was found that there is significant improvement on work benefits in the post concession era for the retained employees (in terms of salary, health insurance, promotion, job security & on-the-job training). There is also no significant increase in the level of employment in NPA in the post concession era. The research reveals also that there are no vacant positions in NPA in post concession era and there is no hope of NPA employing more staff in recent time in post concession era except the port embarks on expansion projects for more ports operations. In conclusion, the researcher recommended some solutions to mitigate the effects of port concession on employment in Nigeria.