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This study examined the effect of international maritime trade on vessel turnaround time of ports in Nigeria (1990-2023). The predictor variable (international maritime trade) had its dimensions as dry bulk cargo, liquid bulk cargo and containerized cargo. The criterion variable (vessel turnaround time) was measured with vessel turnaround time. The theories that underpinned the study included: comparative advantage theory and theory of international trade. Ex-post facto research design was used for the study. Secondary sources of data were used as the main data collection method. Relevant data for this study were collected from the annual reports and accounts of Nigerian Ports Authority, National Bureau of Statistics and Central Bank of Nigeria Annual Statistical Bulletins (1990 2023). The study used descriptive and inferential statistical tools to analyse the data. Specifically, multiple regression analysis of ordinary least square estimation was used to test the hypotheses with the aid of Eviews 12.0. The reliability of the research instrument was validated on the basis of the secondary data sources. The study revealed that there are opportunities to develop and use dry bulk cargo for international maritime trade through ports. That ports provide the platform through which international maritime trade of liquid bulk trade orientation is facilitated and performed. The study found that. ports usually optimize and prioritize containerized trade activities as ways of conducting international maritime trade that help to achieve port performance objectives. That ports provide avenues for the use of containerized trade to smoothen international maritime trade that leads to effective seaport performance. The study found that liquid bulk cargo offers veritable opportunities to optimize international maritime trade distinctions in ports by helping to convert resources, build traffic intensity in trade and engage customers and stakeholders to utilize ports for their international business transactions. The study concluded that: Dry bulk trade has positive and insignificant effect on vessel turnaround time (t 0.102); liquid bulk trade has negative and insignificant effect on vessel turnaround time (t -0.836); containerized trade has positive and significant effect on vessel turnaround time of ports in Nigeria (t 2.176). This study, therefore, recommended that: Nigerian ports should encourage the export of dry bulk cargoes and liquid bulk cargoes by putting up facilities, infrastructures and conducive environment necessary for investment in port that encourage the reduction vessel turnaround times. Also, policy makers should reconsider export duty policies that encourage trade friendliness to promote international maritime trade and effective port performance.

Copyright © 2025 ONYUKU, Kelvin Stella . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.