Experts’ reports on Nigeria’s economic analysis show
that the maritime sector in Nigeria creates socioeconomic opportunities and
contributes significantly to the gross domestic product of Nigeria but misses
digital opportunities to capture more value. This article conducts a
semi-structured interview with leaders and managers of maritime enterprises in
Lagos, Nigeria, through content analysis, to explore how incorporating digital
strategy into the business processes of Nigerian maritime enterprises can
change the industry to obtain more value. The result showed inclusive values of
digital strategy inclusion in transforming Nigeria’s maritime business
operation through integrating technology-based solutions—both soft and hardware and other digital
implements. With this study, I make a step to advance discussion on technology
adoption and digital strategy inclusion in maritime business operations in
Nigeria for operational efficiency and to address its related influences on
business activities in Nigeria. Continuous integration of technology-based
solutions, workforce digital upskilling, and strict intervention and support by
the government and other stakeholders directed at diminishing the impediments
to digital strategy inclusion in Nigerian Maritime businesses, drive
compliance, and influence change in process and management of the maritime
business operation in Nigeria were recommended. The result may reinforce the
awareness of business leaders, institutions, and other practitioners in the
maritime sector on the essentials of digital strategy inclusion in business,
help bridge the information gap in the literature, and as a decision support
tool for business management and practices.
References
[1]
Adetunji, J. A., Appah, H. D., Akinlade, O. O., & Bribena, E. I. (2017). The Nigerian Institutional Repositories: Opportunities and Barriers. Academia Journal of Educational Research, 5, 297-305.
[2]
Agboola, M. G., Awobajo, K. A., Oluwatobi, S. O., Akinbode, M. O., Fagbohun, M. O., Esse, U. C., Segun-Adeniran, C. D., Asaolu, A. O., & Betek, C. M. (2019). Effect of Digitalization on the Performance of Commercial Banks in Nigeria. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 331, Article ID: 012014. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/331/1/012014
[3]
Agwu, E., & Murray, P. J. (2018). Empirical Study of Barriers to Electronic Commerce Adoption by Small and Medium Scale Businesses in Nigeria. International Journal of Innovation in the Digital Economy, 6, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJIDE
[4]
Ajayi, P. I. (2020). Telecommuting during COVID-19 in Nigeria. African Journal for the Psychological Studies of Social Issues, 23, 1-9. http://www.ajpssi.org/index.php/ajpssi/article/view/428
[5]
Arogundade, S., & Nwani, V. (2018). Costs of Maritime Port Challenges in Nigeria. Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Technical Report (pp. 4-24). Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.26743.57769
[6]
Becker, W., & Schmid, O. (2020). The Right Digital Strategy for Your Business: An Empirical Analysis of the Design and Implementation of Digital Strategies in SMEs and LSEs. Business Research, 13, 985-1005. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40685-020-00124-y
[7]
Binuyo, A. O., Ekpe, H., & Binuyo, B. O. (2019). Innovative Strategies and Firm Growth: Evidence from Selected Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Firms in Lagos State, Nigeria. Problems and Perspectives in Management, 17, 313-322. https://doi.org/10.21511/ppm.17(2).2019.24
[8]
BusinessDay Research and Intelligence Unit and elev8 (2020). How Businesses Can Take Advantage of Nigeria’s Projected $8.79 Billion Economic Expansion. https://techcabal.com/2020/12/02/how-businesses-can-take-advantage-of-nigerias-projected-8-79-billion-economic-expansion/
[9]
Butt, J. (2020). A Conceptual Framework to Support Digital Transformation in Manufacturing Using an Integrated Business Process Management Approach. Designs, 4, Article No. 17. https://doi.org/10.3390/designs4030017
[10]
Chilaka, E. M. (2019). Impact of the Apapa Traffic Gridlock on Global Maritime Trade and Nigeria’s Economy: The Case for Renewal of an Old African Port City. Journal of Research in National Development, 17, 120-133. http://www.academia.edu/40298593
[11]
Ezeokoli, F. O., Okolie, K. C., Okoye, P. U., & Belonwu, C. C. (2016). Digital Transformation in the Nigeria Construction Industry: The Professionals’ View. World Journal of Computer Application and Technology, 4, 23-30. https://doi.org/10.13189/wjcat.2016.040301
[12]
Fagbe, T., Fagbe, A., Folorunso-ako, E. O., & Oko, I. (2020). Traffic Congestion and Health Information on Road Users’ Safety and Wellbeing in Apapa-Badagry Expressway, Lagos, Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology, 14, 41-48.
[13]
Freudenreich, B., Lüdeke-Freund, F., & Schaltegger, S. (2019). A Stakeholder Theory Perspective on Business Models: Value Creation for Sustainability. Journal of Business Ethics, 166, 3-18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-019-04112-z
[14]
Goerzig, D., & Bauernhansl, T. (2018). Enterprise Architectures for the Digital Transformation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. Procedia CIRP, 67, 540-545. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2017.12.257
[15]
Iroham, C. O., Okubanjo, T., Joshua, O., Okagbue, H. I., Emetere, M. E., Akinjare, O. A., Peter, J. N., & Akinwale, O. M. (2019). The Impact of Traffic Gridlock on Values of Residential Properties in Apapa, Lagos Nigeria. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 331, Article ID: 012030. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/331/1/012030
[16]
Kane, G., Palmer, D., Phillips, A. N., Kiron, D., & Buckley, N. (2015). Strategy, Not Technology, Drives Digital Transformation. MIT Sloan Management Review, 14, 1-25. https://sloanreview.mit.edu/projects/strategy-drives-digital-transformation/
[17]
Kobus, J., Westner, M., Strahringer, S., & Strode, D. (2018). Enabling Digitization by Implementing Lean IT: Lessons Learned. The TQM Journal, 30, 764-778. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-02-2018-0026
[18]
Kostic, Z. (2018). Innovations and Digital Transformation as a Competition Catalyst. Ekonomika, 64, 13-23. https://doi.org/10.5937/ekonomika1801013K
[19]
Lehmacher, W. (2020). Digital Logistics Platforms: The Future of the Industry. Quicargo. https://quicargo.com/digital-networks-the-future-of-logistics/
[20]
Loebbecke, C. (2019). Digitization, Big Data Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence Transforming Business, Society, and Research. Moscow University Economics Bulletin, 2019, 9-11.
[21]
Microsoft (2020). Enabling a Digital Nigeria. A Position Paper of Microsoft’s Vision for Digital Transformation and a Digital Economy That Works for Everyone (pp. 1-32). https://info.microsoft.com/ME-DIGTRNS-CNTNT-FY20-05May-06-EnablingaDigitalNigeria-SRGCM3460_01Registration-ForminBody.html
[22]
National Bureau of Statistics in Nigeria (2019). National Bureau of Statistics in Nigeria: Central Data Catalog. https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/nada/index.php/catalog
[23]
Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice (7th ed). SAGE Publication:
[24]
Nwaiwu, F. (2018). Review and Comparison of Conceptual Frameworks on Digital Business Transformation. Journal of Competitiveness, 10, 86-100. https://doi.org/10.7441/joc.2018.03.06
[25]
Office of the Lagos State Government (n.d.). About Lagos. https://lagosstate.gov.ng/about-lagos/
[26]
Oke, A. E., Arowoiya, V. A., & Akomolafe, O. T. (2020). An Empirical Study on Challenges to the Adoption of the Internet of Things in the Nigerian Construction Industry. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Development, 14, 179-186. https://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2020.1819117
[27]
Olajide, O. A., Agunbiade, M. E., & Bishi, H. B. (2018). The Realities of Lagos Urban Development Vision on Livelihoods of the Urban Poor. Journal of Urban Management, 7, 21-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jum.2018.03.001
[28]
Olanrewaju, T., & Willmott, P. (2013). Finding Your Digital Sweet Spot (pp. 2-7). McKinsey. https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/finding-your-digital-sweet-spot
[29]
Olsen, D. H., & Trelsgård, K. (2016). Enterprise Architecture Adoption Challenges: An exploratory Case Study of the Norwegian Higher Education Sector. Procedia Computer Science, 100, 804-811. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2016.09.228
[30]
Olurode, L., Isola, W., & Adebisi, D. (2018). Urbanisation and Energy Crisis: The Case of Lagos State. Sociology and Anthropology, 6, 845-853. https://doi.org/10.13189/sa.2018.061105
[31]
Onwuegbuchunam, D. E., Aponjolosun, M. O., & Ogunsakin, A. W. (2021). Information & Communication Technology (ICT) Adoption in Nigerian Ports Terminal Operations. Journal of Transportation Technologies, 11, 311-324. https://doi.org/10.4236/jtts.2021.113020
[32]
Oyewole, F. O. (2020). Influence of Work Automation on the Performance of Nigerian Ports. Journal of Management and Science, 10, 12-24.
[33]
Pagani, M., & Pardo, C. (2017). The Impact of Digital Technology on Relationships in a Business Network. Industrial Marketing Management, 67, 185-192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2017.08.009
[34]
Rachinger, M., Rauter, R., Müller, C., Vorraber, W., & Schirgi, E. (2019). Digitalization and Its Influence on Business Model Innovation. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 30, 1143-1160. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-01-2018-0020
[35]
Sanchez, M. A., & Zuntini, J. I. (2018). Organizational Readiness for the Digital Transformation: A Case Study Research. Revista Gestão & Tecnologia, 18, 70-99. https://doi.org/10.20397/2177-6652/2018.v18i2.1316
[36]
Schneider, R., & Imai, J. (2019). Valuing Investments in the Digital Transformation of Business Models. International Journal of Real Options and Strategy, 7, 1-26. https://doi.org/10.12949/ijros.7.1
[37]
Sebastian, M. I., Moloney, K. G., Ross, J. W., & Fonstad, N. O. (2017). How Big Old Companies Navigate Digital Transformation. MIS Quarterly Executive, 16, 197-213.
[38]
Sia, K. S., Soh, C., & Weill, P. (2016). How DBS Bank Pursued a Digital Business Strategy. MIS Quarterly Executive, 15, 105-121.
[39]
The Guardian Nigeria (2018). 12,000 Jobs Lost, 200 Houses Vacant due to Apapa Gridlock. https://guardian.ng/news/12000-jobs-lost-200-houses-vacant-due-to-apapa-gridlock/
[40]
Tunç, A. Ö., & Aslan, P. (2020). Business Management and Communication Perspectives in Industry 4.0. IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-9416-1
[41]
TVC News Nigeria (2020). Lagos Port Gridlock: Business Owners Narrate Impact on Investments [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1re62GeOtU
[42]
Vaska, S., Massaro, M., Bagarotto, E. M., & Dal Mas, F. (2021). The Digital Transformation of Business Model Innovation: A Structured Literature Review. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, Article 539363. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.539363
[43]
Wade, M. (2015). Digital Business Transformation: A Conceptual Framework. Global Center for Digital Business Transformation: An IMD and Cisco Initiative. https://www.imd.org/contentassets/d0a4d992d38a41ff85de509156475caa/framework
[44]
Warner, K. S. & Wäger, M. (2019). Building Dynamic Capabilities for Digital Transformation: An Ongoing Process of Strategic Renewal. Long Range Planning, 52, 326-349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lrp.2018.12.001
[45]
Westerman, G., Bonnet, D., & McAfee, A. (2014). Leading Digital: Turning Technology into Business Transformation. Harvard Business Press.
[46]
World Bank Group (2019). Nigeria’s Digital Economy Diagnostic Report. World Bank. https://doi.org/10.1596/32743
[47]
Yeow, A., Soh, C., & Hansen, R. (2018). Aligning with New Digital Strategy: A Dynamic Capabilities Approach. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 27, 43-58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsis.2017.09.001
[48]
Zubairu, H. A., Oyefolahan, I. O., Babakano, F. J., Etuk, S. O., & Mohammed, I. K. (2020). Assessing the E-Readiness of Nigeria for the Digital Economy. American Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology, 8, Article No. 50.
