Evaluation of Cargo Tracking Technologies in Reducing Transit Losses for Nigerian Freight Operators

Transit cargo losses, including theft, diversion, and damage, constitute a significant financial risk for freight operators and their clients in Nigeria, where supply chain visibility tools remain underutilised. This study evaluates the effectiveness of cargo tracking technologies in reducing transit losses among freight operators in Nigeria, drawing on cases from operators in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kano. A professional applied case study design was adopted, combining structured interviews with 40 logistics managers, a review of transit loss incident records before and after technology adoption in five companies, and assessment of GPS and IoT cargo monitoring system deployments. The study compares transit loss rates, insurance claim frequencies, and client satisfaction scores between pre- and post-technology adoption periods. Findings demonstrate that operators using real-time GPS and cargo seal monitoring systems recorded average transit loss reductions of 44 percent within 12 months of deployment. Client satisfaction scores improved significantly, and insurance premiums declined by an average of 18 percent for technology-adopting firms. Barriers to wider adoption include high initial technology costs, unreliable mobile network coverage in rural corridors, and low digital literacy among some truck drivers. The study recommends government facilitation of technology adoption through tax incentives on cargo tracking equipment, coverage improvement in rural transport corridors, and industry training programmes on cargo monitoring technology operation. These findings support evidence-based investment decisions by freight industry professionals. Keywords: cargo tracking, transit loss, freight technology, GPS logistics, Nigeria.