By Our Correspondent
Lagos, Feb. 20, ’25 (TNZ) The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) says its new International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) will safeguard Nigeria from drug trafficking, arms smuggling and other contraband that fuel insecurity.
Dr Pious Akutah, the Executive Secretary of the Council, gave this clarification in a statement e-mailed to TheNewsZenith by the Head of Public Relations, Mrs Rebecca Adamu, on Friday in Lagos.
TheNewsZenith reports that the NSC proposed the ICTN to ensure the traceability of goods across international borders.
It assigns a unique identification number to each shipment and, therefore, it is a tool to enhance trade globally.
According to Akutah, the Council decried the recent upsurge in arms and drug importation and called for support from all stakeholders.
He declared that the new ICTN was not meant to stifle trade but to support the Federal Government’s economic and security agenda.
The council boss noted that the additional regulatory mechanism works in synergy with the Nigeria Customs Service systems.
This is to enhance compliance, risk assessment and trade efficiency.
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He said that embracing the full implementation of the ICTN remained crucial for the benefit of the economy.
“This is most important to drive growth in the Marine and Blue Economy,” Akutah said.
“This leads to faster clearance time, reduces congestion at ports and lowers demurrage costs for traders.
“ICTN ensures accurate cargo valuation, preventing revenue loss due to false declarations while blocking financial leakage caused by incorrect customs duties, levies and tariffs.
“Furthermore, many countries, including advanced economies, have successfully deployed ICTN for effective cargo monitoring and trade regulation.
“Nigeria’s adoption of ICTN aligns with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).
“It also aligns with international maritime security standards,” TheNewsZenith quotes Akutah as saying. (TNZ)
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