ANALYSIS OF INTERMODAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM AND MANUFACTURING ACTIVITIES ON NIGERIA'S ECONOMIC AND REGIONAL IMPACT

Abstract

Growth poles are regional hubs that stimulate economic growth through the confluence between firms, centrifugal and centripetal forces, and the resulting multiplier effects, which attract resources and transmit growth to other sectors. This study utilized the survey design to investigate the roles of intermodal transport systems (ITS) in driving economic growth, especially in transporting consumer goods, industrial goods, and the healthcare industry. Data for the study were gathered from 90 companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGE) between 2010 and 2019. Of the 90 businesses surveyed, 64 firms (71%) completed the research instrument. Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) was used to test the derived hypotheses. Findings revealed a causality of the joint predictors of land transport and port clearance procedures (as subset of ITS) on the turnover of consumer products enterprises in a significant way (p<0.05). Similarly, the study revealed significant relationship between ITS and healthcare businesses' ((p<0.05) and industrial goods turnovers ((p<0.05). This study contributed to knowledge by providing an empirical insight into the interrelationship that exists between the availability of ITS and manufacturing activities, and the impact of the duo as catalysts for economic development. It is concluded that strategic investment by all stakeholders in Nigeria's ITS can incentivize the country's Logistics Performance Index (LPI), spur the growth of key industrial sectors, and lead to its emergence as the leading regional manufacturing hub.