Federal Government Commences ICTN Implementation After Presidential Approval
The Federal Government has officially started the process to implement the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), following a presidential approval for its procurement. This announcement was made by Dr Pius Akutah, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), during a stakeholder meeting in Lagos. The ICTN, a long-delayed initiative, is now moving forward with optimism for its rollout before the end of 2026.
Renewed Push for Cargo Tracking System
Dr Akutah highlighted that this renewed effort comes after years of stalled implementation attempts, where the cargo tracking system was introduced and suspended multiple times. He stated, "We have already obtained the approval of the President to proceed with procurement, and that process is ongoing. We are hopeful that before the end of this year, implementation will commence." This marks a significant step in overcoming past challenges that have hindered the sustainability of the ICTN.
Industry Stakeholders and Divergent Views
Industry stakeholders have been divided over the ICTN's implementation. Some view it as a crucial tool to enhance cargo visibility, improve trade transparency, boost revenue assurance, and strengthen maritime security. Others, however, see it as an avenue for additional charges, raising concerns about its impact on trade costs. Dr Akutah acknowledged this checkered history, noting that past issues have undermined the system's effectiveness.
Deliberate Steps to Prevent Future Suspensions
To address these concerns, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy is taking deliberate steps to resolve all outstanding issues. Dr Akutah emphasized that due diligence is being applied to ensure pending matters are resolved before the International Cargo Tracking Act can be successfully implemented. This proactive approach aims to prevent another suspension that could undermine the initiative's progress, ensuring a smoother rollout and long-term sustainability.
The ICTN's implementation is expected to bring significant benefits to Nigeria's maritime sector, including improved security and transparency in cargo handling. As the procurement process advances, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments to see how the government addresses past challenges and leverages this system for national economic growth.
