This study empirically investigates the dynamics of trade infrastructure development in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, focusing on the interrelationship among port efficiency, transport connectivity, logistics performance, and institutional quality. Motivated by the region’s persistent infrastructural decay and underperformance despite its strategic economic relevance, the research employs an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) modelling framework to analyze time series data spanning 2000 – 2023. Trade infrastructure performance (TRINF) was proxied by container throughput, port volume, and trade flow, while the explanatory variables are: port efficiency (PORT), transport infrastructure (TRANS), logistics performance (LOG), and institutional quality (ISQ). The results from the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root tests confirm a mix of I(0) and I(1) variables, justifying the use of ARDL estimation. The bounds test reveals a long-run cointegrating relationship among the variables, affirming the interdependence of infrastructure and governance in shaping trade outcomes. While the long-run coefficients suggest that improvements in port efficiency and transport infrastructure positively influence trade performance, the short-run dynamics reveal that logistics coordination and institutional governance exert immediate and significant effects on trade flow. Diagnostic tests confirm model robustness, with no serial correlation or heteroskedasticity. The study concludes that sustainable trade growth in the Niger Delta hinges on an integrated infrastructure policy that simultaneously advances port modernization, transport network rehabilitation, logistics digitalization, and institutional reform. Policy recommendations emphasize the adoption of multimodal transport frameworks, digital logistics management, public-private partnerships, and strong governance reforms. The findings contribute to the regional economic integration discourse by offering practical insights into how infrastructure synergy can drive industrial competitiveness, export diversification, and socio-economic stability in the Niger Delta.

Keywords: Trade Infrastructure, Port Efficiency, Transport Connectivity, Logistics Performance, Institutional Quality.