Background of the study
Trade policies play a significant role in shaping international trade flows, influencing tariffs, import restrictions, and trade agreements. These policies can have profound impacts on logistics operations, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on imports such as the energy industry (Bello et al., 2023). For companies like Total Nigeria, which imports a wide range of petroleum products, trade policies directly affect the efficiency, cost, and reliability of logistics processes. In Nigeria, fluctuations in trade policies, especially those concerning tariffs, taxes, and import quotas, can create significant operational challenges for companies involved in the importation of goods (Fadipe & Akintoye, 2023).
Total Nigeria, a key player in the energy sector, operates in a complex logistics environment where the transportation, storage, and distribution of imported goods such as fuel and lubricants are critical to maintaining market supply. Gombe State, located in northeastern Nigeria, serves as an interesting context for assessing how national trade policies affect the logistics operations of companies like Total. Changes in import tariffs, duties, and regulations—often driven by both global economic trends and local policy decisions—can impact Total’s logistics costs, delivery timelines, and ability to meet consumer demand.
This study aims to examine how trade policies in Nigeria affect the import logistics of Total Nigeria, focusing on the operational challenges and strategic adjustments the company must make to comply with changing trade regulations and ensure smooth operations in Gombe State.
Statement of the problem
Trade policies in Nigeria have undergone significant changes over recent years, with shifts in tariffs, import duties, and border regulations aimed at stimulating local industries and controlling foreign exchange. For Total Nigeria, these policy shifts present operational challenges in managing import logistics effectively. Rising import costs, delays in clearance at customs, and increased logistics complexity due to changing trade barriers all contribute to inefficiencies in the supply chain. The impact of these trade policy changes on Total Nigeria’s import logistics performance in Gombe State remains inadequately explored, and the company’s adaptation strategies are not well-documented. This study addresses the gap by examining the influence of Nigeria’s trade policies on Total Nigeria’s logistics operations and how the company navigates the evolving regulatory landscape.
Objectives of the study
To examine the impact of Nigeria’s trade policies on the import logistics of Total Nigeria in Gombe State.
To evaluate the operational challenges Total Nigeria faces in adapting to changes in trade policies.
To analyze the strategic measures Total Nigeria has implemented to mitigate the impact of trade policy changes on import logistics.
Research questions
How have Nigeria’s trade policies impacted the import logistics of Total Nigeria in Gombe State?
What operational challenges does Total Nigeria face due to changes in trade policies regarding imports?
What strategies has Total Nigeria implemented to adapt to the impact of trade policies on its import logistics?
Research hypotheses
Changes in Nigeria’s trade policies significantly impact the import logistics operations of Total Nigeria in Gombe State.
Total Nigeria faces significant operational challenges as a result of changes in trade policies affecting imports.
Total Nigeria has implemented strategic measures to mitigate the negative impact of trade policies on its import logistics operations in Gombe State.
Scope and limitations of the study
This study will focus on Total Nigeria’s import logistics operations in Gombe State, analyzing the impact of national trade policies on the company’s supply chain processes. Data will be gathered through interviews with logistics managers, customs officers, and company officials involved in import processes. The study’s limitations include potential difficulties in accessing proprietary company data and the focus on a single geographic location, which may not fully capture the broader impact of trade policies across Nigeria.
Definitions of terms
Trade policies: National laws and regulations that govern international trade, including tariffs, quotas, and import-export restrictions.
Import logistics: The management and coordination of the transportation, storage, and delivery of goods imported from other countries.
Logistics performance: The effectiveness and efficiency of a company’s logistics operations, measured by factors such as delivery times, cost, and inventory management.
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