Socio-Economic Implications of Essential Commodities’ Price Differentials in Riverine and Hinterland Areas of Nigeria

Abstract

The study was a critical evaluation of the handicaps in transporting and distributing manufactured food products in riverine areas of Nigeria. It is occasioned by the incessant media reports of high costs of manufactured items and services or even outright shortages of same in riverine communities in Nigeria, which often fuel the Niger-Delta social crisis. The objectives included to: determine the state of transportation in the riverine areas of Nigeria; ascertain the effect of the transportation modes used for effectively distributing manufactured goods in the riverine areas and determine the factors inhibiting the transportation system from effective distribution in the area. Data were analyzed with Likert’s 5-points scale and measure of central tendency (Mean). Results obtained show that water transportation in the riverine areas of Nigeria is still largely undeveloped, not effective, not easily accessible and affordable, not attractive to private investors, making costs of food items high. It was then recommended that incentives be provided by government to develop and boost water transportation in riverine areas of the country.

Keywords: Water Transportation, Distribution, Manufactured Products, Riverine Areas, Nigeria.