Intermodal Transportation Adoption and Logistics Cost Reduction Among Manufacturing Exporters in Lagos: An Empirical Investigation

This study empirically investigates the relationship between intermodal transportation adoption and logistics cost reduction among manufacturing exporters in Lagos, South West Nigeria. Intermodal transportation, which integrates road, rail, and maritime modes within a single shipment journey, has been promoted as a cost-efficient alternative to road-only freight distribution, particularly for high-volume or long-distance cargo. The recent rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan railway corridor and the operationalisation of the Apapa standard gauge rail connection have created new intermodal possibilities for Lagos-based exporters. Using a quantitative design, structured questionnaires were administered to 100 logistics managers and export operations directors in manufacturing and agro-processing firms that export from Lagos Port. Intermodal adoption is operationalised through frequency of rail-sea or road-sea mode integration, cargo volume proportion using intermodal options, and intermodal coordination capability. Logistics cost reduction is measured through transport cost per twenty-foot equivalent unit, door-to-port transit time, and cargo handling cost per shipment. Multiple regression analysis is employed. The study draws on intermodal freight systems literature and logistics cost optimisation theory. Findings are expected to demonstrate statistically significant cost reductions for consistent intermodal users, with rail integration providing the greatest savings for bulk and containerised export cargo. The study fills an empirical gap in Nigerian intermodal logistics adoption research. Recommendations address exporting firm logistics managers, the Nigerian Railway Corporation, and the Federal Ministry of Transportation on expanding intermodal adoption incentives and rail service reliability improvements. Keywords: intermodal transportation, logistics cost reduction, manufacturing exporters, Lagos, rail-sea integration.