The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has assured stakeholders that the planned introduction of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) will not lead to duplicate charges at the ports.
Speaking at a Maritime Association of Nigeria (MARAN) roundtable in Lagos on Thursday, NSC’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Pius Akutah, addressed the controversies surrounding the ICTN implementation.
Akutah, who was represented by Mr. Celestine Akujobi, Director of Consumer Affairs at NSC, emphasized that the initiative was carefully planned and not a hasty decision by the federal government or the council.
“There were extensive consultations before the implementation. The NSC is the lead agency, but the ICTN was developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and other relevant government agencies,” he said.
According to him, if ICTN had been a duplication of existing charges, the Nigerian Customs Service—being a key stakeholder—would have opposed it from the outset.
“The government would not introduce a policy that goes against the interest of its citizens. The ICTN is a trade facilitation tool, not a revenue-generating exercise,” Akutah explained.
He further noted that similar systems exist globally, citing the Advanced Cargo Information System (ACIS) in the United States and similar models in the European Union.
On concerns about additional costs, Akutah recalled that when ICTN was initially introduced, the NSC opposed any price hikes that could burden shippers.
“At that time, some West and Central African countries were charging around $100, but Nigeria set its rate at $10 to $20. While there is always a cost element when a service is rendered, the key issue is whether the cost significantly impacts business operations. The goal is to keep it minimal and manageable,” he added.
He urged stakeholders to avoid misinformation, reiterating that ICTN is not a revenue-driven initiative but a mechanism to enhance trade efficiency.
“We should not attack the ICTN just because it is a government initiative. Instead, we should focus on understanding its benefits,” he said.
Dr. Eugene Nweke, Director of the Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC), supported the ICTN, stating that it would improve trade compliance at the ports.
“The ICTN will ensure accuracy in container content, introduce checks and balances, enhance transparency, and strengthen safety and security in our trading system,” he noted.
However, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), strongly opposed the initiative, arguing that ICTN lacks legal backing and does not provide a tangible service.
“The ICTN is not supported by law, and it will obstruct the clearance process. Any system that operates without a legal framework is problematic,” he asserted.
Amiwero, who has served on multiple government committees, recalled that previous attempts to implement ICTN were halted due to its lack of legal and operational clarity.
“This is a regional initiative, not a global convention. It was initially designed to monitor freight costs in West and Central Africa. Without a direct service benefit, its implementation remains questionable,” he argued.
In his welcome address, MARAN President Mr. Godfrey Bivbere described the ICTN as a transformative system capable of revolutionizing cargo monitoring in Nigeria.
“Through the ICTN, we can track the type and volume of cargo entering our seaports within specific time frames. Beyond monitoring, it has the potential to generate billions in revenue by addressing gaps in border revenue collection,” he stated.
However, Bivbere acknowledged concerns raised by importers and clearing agents regarding potential duplication of tracking mechanisms.
“The Nigerian Customs Service already tracks cargo from origin to destination. Adding another tracking layer through ICTN must not create unnecessary costs. As we reintroduce ICTN, it is crucial to ensure transparency, avoid duplications, and address stakeholders’ concerns,” he emphasized.
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As the debate over ICTN continues, stakeholders remain divided on its benefits and potential drawbacks. While the NSC insists the system is designed to enhance trade facilitation without imposing additional financial burdens, critics argue that legal and operational uncertainties must be resolved before implementation.
The government’s ability to address these concerns transparently will determine the ICTN’s success in streamlining cargo monitoring at Nigerian ports.
