TITLE:
Transforming Nigerian Maritime Business Operations through Digital Strategy Inclusion
AUTHORS:
Charles Ikechi Emelogu
KEYWORDS:
Nigerian Maritime Business, Technology Adoption, Digital Strategy Inclusion, Integrated Digital Process, Business Management, Business Transformation, Business Sustainability
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Business and Management,
Vol.11 No.4,
July
19,
2023
ABSTRACT: 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.