Optimization of costs of Port Operations in Nigeria: A Scenario For Emerging River Ports

Abstract

This study attempts to optimize the cost of port operations in Nigeria. The quantitative estimates are concerned with the activities associated with the operations of Nigerian ports, the costs and the benefits derived by users of these ports. A Linear Programming Model was formulated from the cost components associated with the vessel-port relationships. With the aid of QM for Windows Software, an optimal solution was derived. The result shows the minimum cost of port operations as well as determining the optimal time frames for the decision variables of port operations. This provides a basis for future projection to determine the range of values of the constraints and decision variables for which the solutions will continue to be optimal.