This study examined the impact of inadequate road infrastructure on cargo handling efficiency at Onne Port, Nigeria, with particular attention to its effects on cargo handling operations, operational delays, transportation costs and overall logistics performance. A mixed-method research design was employed, combining questionnaires, interviews and field observations involving port workers, freight forwarders, truck drivers, terminal operators, logistics managers and Nigerian Ports Authority officials. Of the 50 questionnaires distributed, 47 valid responses were retrieved and analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis and analysis of variance. The findings showed that poor road conditions substantially reduce cargo handling efficiency by increasing traffic congestion, truck waiting times, operational delays, cargo damage and transportation costs. The regression analysis indicated a strong positive relationship between infrastructure-related variables and cargo handling efficiency (R² = 0.784). Poor road networks were also found to increase transport costs through longer travel times, higher fuel consumption and accelerated vehicle depreciation. The study concludes that improving road infrastructure around Onne Port would facilitate cargo evacuation, reduce logistics bottlenecks, lower transportation costs and enhance overall port efficiency. It provides empirical evidence of the close relationship between transport infrastructure quality and maritime logistics performance in a developing-economy port context.