By Abdulfatah Babatunde
Lagos, March 2, ’25 (TNZ) Maritime stakeholders gathered at a roundtable forum to discuss the reintroduction of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) in the shipping business.
TheNewsZenith reports that the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) facilitated the roundtable, on Thursday, in Lagos.
Key stakeholders canvassed divergent views on the maritime instrument.
TheNewsZenith recalls that the Federal Government through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy introduced the ICTN.
They disagree on the benefits and need to implement the trade tool promoted as the solution to the myriad of trade malpractices and insecurity challenge.
Regulatory bodies like the Nigerian Customs Service and the National Shipping Council (NSC) at the roundtable had a hectic time convincing the private sector operators on the implementation of the ICTN.
Speaking at the roundtable, the Coordinator of Nigeria Customs Service, Zone ‘A’, O.C. Orbih allayed the fear of stakeholders about the implementation of the ICTN.
Orbih highlighted the benefits of ICTN and reduction in its associated costs on cargo dwell time at the ports, leading to demurrage charges.
“To our esteemed maritime stakeholders and industry veterans, your presence at this round table underscores the importance of collaborative engagement in charting the course for the maritime sector’s advancement.
“ICTN implementation represents a significant opportunity to transform Nigeria’s maritime operations and enhance our competitiveness in global trade.
“This initiative offers concrete solutions to long-standing challenges in our ports. The benefits of ICTN implementation are substantial and far-reaching.
“It significantly enhances security and risk management by providing information in advance about cargo, enabling better threat assessment and targeted inspections,” TheNewsZenith quotes Orbih as saying.
Also speaking, Mr Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), recalled that the government launched the ICTN initiative many years ago.
Represented by the Director Consumer Affairs, Celestine Akujobi, NSC boss traced the genesis of the events leading to the formulation of the ICTN.
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He recalled that the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) advised the Africa Shippers Councils to monitor cargo movement.
“Based on that, some African countries have since started the implementation of ICTN instrument,” Akutah said.
He explained that ICTN “is a cargo facilitation programme involving the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Customs Service.
According to him, the NSC aims to minimise costs associated with ICTN, as it’s not intended to generate revenue.
“ICTN concept is a security issue and whether NSC or Customs is in charge is immaterial. What is important is its implementation, as done in other climes,” TheNewsZenith quotes him as saying.
However, Lucky Amiwero, the National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NDLCA), disagreed with NSC on the reintroduction of the ICTN.
Amiwero disputed claims that the ICTN was a UNCTAD-backed initiative.
He said ICTN lacked formal rule status and its implementation in Nigeria is free from any service.
Lucky Amiwero emphasized that the NSC was established to safeguard shippers’ interests, and that it lacks the legal authority to implement the ICTN.
“You cannot operate a system without a law. ICTN originates with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and its first three implementations were not tied to any specific service.
“The implementation of ICTN in Benin Republic was tied to their Customs service. ICTN is already integrated into Customs operations.
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“Assigning implementation of ICTN to another agency can make it redundant,” TheNewsZenith quotes Amiwero as saying.
TheNewsZenith reports that Dr Eugene Nweke of Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) also made a presentation
Nweke said that research revealed that 32 African countries were already implementing ICTN.
He spoke on the need for checks and balances in the implementation of ICTN in Nigeria.
Nweke argued that ICTN would enhance compliance and ensure the safety and security of the nation.
In his welcome remarks, Mr Godfrey Bivbere, President of MARAN, commended the large turnout of stakeholders at the Round Table.
Bivbere said the association desired that at the end of the discussion, ”Nigeria will benefit”.
“ICTN is a matter of utmost importance to Nigeria’s maritime sector and, indeed, our national economy.
“It is not just a concept or an idea. It is a transformative system capable of revolutionising the way we monitor cargo entering our country.
“Through the ICTN, we can determine the type and volume of cargo imported into our seaports within specific time frames.
“Beyond the ability to collect and track cargo information, this system can generate huge revenue for the government.
“As we move to reintroduce the ICTN, it is critical that we approach it with a fresh perspective. We must understand the lessons learned from the past.
“We must ensure that there is no duplication of efforts, prioritise transparency and address the concerns of all stakeholders.
“It is with this in mind that the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria has decided to take the lead in organising this roundtable discussion,” TheNewsZenith quoted Bivbere as saying. (TNZ)
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