Cabotage Operations Between Theory and Practice in Nigeria

This paper compacts with the notion of cabotage operations between theory and practice in Nigeria, Issues, and challenges why Cabotage operation, in theory, does not reflect the same theoretical models and benefits in Nigeria. The main focus of this paper is to analyze the history, concept, benefits, operational merit, and demerit to the Nation and her people. The paper presenter researched for the paper with reliance on textbooks, internet websites, and operational case study since there is a dearth of material in the subject area explaining Cabotage practice as maritime practitioners still describe cabotage operations in Nigeria as a compromise between strict and relaxed law. Also, the researcher interviewed some stakeholders and indigenous maritime practitioners in Nigeria regarding the existence of a dichotomy between theory and practice attainable in Nigeria and its likely causes. At the end of the paper, the presenter proposed a number of recommendations for operations of Cabotage in Nigeria. Significant among is government improvement of infrastructure and Implementations of the people-friendly policy and also Government should intensify support on Investable funds and/or give collateral in support of loan due to Capital intensive nature of the shipping business