Maritime stakeholders have backed the reintroduction of the International Cargo Tracking Note at Nigerian ports.

The stakeholders, who spoke at a recent event organised by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria in Apapa, noted that the move marks a pivotal moment for the nation’s maritime sector.

They underscored the strategic importance of enhancing transparency, reducing illicit trade, and improving Nigeria’s position in global maritime trade.

Some opined that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council should be well-empowered to facilitate the process.

Speaking during the event, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, emphasised that the ICTN is not a new initiative to the NSC.

Represented at the event by the Director of Consumer Affairs at the council, Celestine Akujobi, the ES explained that the council had successfully managed it in the past before it was suspended.

Akutah reaffirmed that the agency is fully prepared to execute the system efficiently, ensuring it benefits shippers, the government, and the entire economy.

According to him, the ICTN is a trade facilitation tool, not just a revenue-generating initiative.

“The NSC is committed to implementing it in a way that enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and strengthens national security. The system is not a duplication of the NCS role; rather, it complements existing frameworks, as evidenced by previous collaborations between the NSC, Customs, and the Central Bank of Nigeria,” Akutah said.




https://punchng.com/maritime-stakeholders-back-reintroduction-of-global-cargo-tracking/