The reintroduction of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) has reignited debates within Nigeria’s maritime sector, highlighting a significant divide between regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders.

The National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) recently petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the ICTN was not backed by law, maintaining its activities will create additional procedures that will constitute delay in the already lengthy and cumbersome port operation.

But the Nigerian Shippers Councils (NSC) immediately debunked the claim, insisting that the ICTN is not only backed by law, but also a critical instrument for enhancing trade transparency, revenue protection, and national security.

The NSC said as an economic regulator, it is legally empowered to introduce mechanisms that enhance trade facilitation.

The NCMDLCA, in its petition signed by its National President, Lucky Amiwero, said the ICTN “is not tied to service of any sort as contained in Articles 6 of Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) on Fees and Charges imposed in connection with imports and exports.”

The petition reads: “We hereby bring to the attention of the Federal Government on the push for the implementation of International cargo tracking note (ICTN), which was first introduced by Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in 2010 and the second in 2015/2016 by Nigerian Shippers council (NSC) and now, there is a recent push by the NSC to implement a scheme that was suspended due to the cost and procedure its effect will have on cargo clearance.”

https://guardian.ng/business-services/business/cargo-tracking-notes-legitimacy-impact-on-port-operations-split-maritime-stakeholders/