Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has set the second quarter of this year (Q2) for the kick-off of the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) in Nigerian ports as part of its efforts to promote transparency in cargo import-export operations in the ports nationwide.
The Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr Pius Akutah, made this disclosure at a management retreat with the theme ‘The Future-Transition from Nigerian Shippers Council to Nigeria Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA)’ for top officials of the council in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Speaking during the retreat, Akutah said that the ICTN implementation will commence in the second quarter of 2025 under the guidance of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
He said: “Notably, under the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) is scheduled for implementation in the second quarter of this year, setting the stage for enhanced revenue generation and operational oversight.
- Advertisement -
“The Council’s 2025 budget is strategically anchored on the 1% freight stabilization fee, with plans to commence its collection upon Presidential assent to the NPERA Bill”, Akutah added.
According to him, the Council’s board and management are embarking on a pivotal journey to define its future as it transits
Akutah recalled that over the past year, the Council had recorded remarkable achievements, including the Signing the Minimum Standards of Conditions of Service for Workers in the Shipping Industry; Launching the Operational Manual for Inland Dry Ports & Hosting the 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges; and the Rolling out the Online Registration Portal for regulated port service providers and users.
He listed other feats recorded by the NSC as Developing the E-Regulatory Process Portal (ERPP) and the Confirmation of Reasonableness of Demurrage, Freight Rate, and Charter Party Fees (CRD) Portal; Recovering billions of naira through robust complaints handling mechanisms; and Introduction Leadership Development Programme to strengthen institutional capacity through succession planning.
The Executive Secretary noted that these accomplishments underscored the management’s commitment to delivering value to stakeholders and ensuring a seamless transition into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA).
Industry experts believe that the implementation of the ICTN and the transition of the Council to the new agency will improve the efficiency of the Nigerian maritime industry by enhancing its revenue generation and crime control capacity in the years ahead.
