Maritime Industry stakeholders and government officials have called for the immediate implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), arguing that the system is critical for enhancing efficiency, security and transparency in Nigeria’s port operations and the maritime sector.
This call was made at the roundtable discussion organized by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in Lagos on Thursday. The roundtable brought together critical stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Shippers Association of Lagos State (SALS), Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN), Freight Forwarders and other stakeholders. Discussions centered on avoiding duplication of charges, ensuring transparency in ICTN operations, and addressing stakeholder concerns to facilitate smooth implementation.
Speaking at the event, the Zone ‘A’ Coordinator of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), ACG Charles Orbih, emphasized that the ICTN, reintroduced by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, presents a strategic opportunity to tackle persistent challenges in Nigeria’s port operations.
According to Orbih, the ICTN will streamline cargo clearance processes by enabling pre-arrival cargo processing, thereby reducing documentation delays and port congestion. He cited successful implementations in Ghana and Kenya, where the system led to shorter cargo dwell times and improved operational efficiency.
Beyond Africa, Orbih referenced Turkey and Brazil, where ICTN implementation has significantly reduced the need for physical cargo inspections while maintaining high security standards.
Despite its numerous advantages, concerns over increased clearance costs and potential bureaucracy have been raised by some stakeholders. However, Orbih assured that these issues are being addressed, noting that international evidence suggests cost savings from reduced delays and demurrage charges outweigh initial expenses.
Additionally, he emphasized that ICTN implementation in Nigeria will follow a phased approach, with continuous stakeholder engagement to ensure minimal disruption and maximum benefits.
Orbih urged all maritime industry players to support the initiative, stressing that the success of ICTN would position Nigerian ports as more competitive gateways for global trade.
“The ICTN will significantly enhance security and risk management by providing cargo information in advance, facilitating better threat assessment and targeted inspections. This has been effective in reducing cargo loss and theft in countries where the system has been implemented.
“Ghana’s Revenue Authority has recorded remarkable improvements since adopting the ICTN in 2015, while Kenya has seen substantial reductions in clearance delays since 2014. In terms of legal backing, Section 28 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, explicitly empowers the Service to develop and maintain electronic systems for cargo tracking.
“This is not just about adopting new technology but about fundamentally improving how we conduct maritime trade. By working together, we can ensure the ICTN is implemented in a way that benefits both businesses and the national economy,” ACG Orbih said.
In his welcome address, Godfrey Bivbere, President of MARAN, highlighted the ICTN’s potential to revolutionize cargo tracking, curb oil theft, and increase government revenue. However, he acknowledged that past controversies, including corruption, bureaucratic delays, and stakeholder conflicts, had hindered its full implementation.
“The ICTN is not just a tool—it is a lifeline for tackling some of the critical challenges facing our maritime industry and the Nigerian economy at large. Despite its numerous benefits, implementation has been repeatedly stalled due to corruption, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and internal struggles for control.”
Bivbere recalled that the idea of tracking cargo dates back to 2004 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. However, it has faced multiple suspensions, including in 2011 when the Presidential Task Force on Port Reforms halted the initiative over concerns of transparency and cost duplication.
The MARAN President stated that during its brief operation, the ICTN reportedly generated €16.7 million, of which the Nigerian government was entitled to €10 million, but discrepancies in fund remittance led to further distrust. He noted that one of the key criticisms of the ICTN has been concerns from importers and clearing agents, who argue that their cargo is already being tracked by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), making ICTN an additional financial burden.
Recognizing the polarized opinions on the ICTN, Bivbere emphasized that MARAN is facilitating discussions to separate facts from opinions and find a practical solution. “The time has come to resolve the controversies and come to a consensus,” he urged. “MARAN, as the leading maritime beat association in Nigeria, recognizes the importance of fostering dialogue among all parties involved.” Bivbere said.
On his part, Assistant Director of Consumer Affairs at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC( Mr. Celestine Akujobi addressed concerns regarding potential duplication of charges and the collaborative efforts behind the ICTN’s implementation. He emphasized that the ICTN was not an arbitrary decision by the NSC or the Federal Government. “From the project’s inception, extensive consultations were held,” he noted.
Akujobi said the NSC, serving as the lead agency, is collaborating closely with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and other relevant government bodies. This collective approach, according to him, ensured that any potential overlapping functions were identified and addressed early in the process.
On the issue of costs associated with the ICTN, Mr. Akujobi acknowledged that while services rendered come with associated costs, the focus is on ensuring that any additional expenses are minimal and absorbable. He clarified a common misconception that the ICTN is a revenue-generating tool noting that instead, the primary goal of the ICTN is to facilitate trade by enhancing transparency and efficiency in cargo tracking.
Mr. Akujobi stressed that the ICTN is a unified government initiative, with the NSC not acting in isolation. The involvement of multiple agencies, including the NCS, underscores the project’s comprehensive nature. He urged stakeholders to view the ICTN as a trade facilitation tool rather than a revenue-generating mechanism and discouraged opposition to government policies designed to enhance the nation’s economic interests.
Also speaking, Head of Research, Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC), Dr. Eugene Nweke traced the history of cargo tracking in West and Central Africa, noting that Gabon was the first country in the region to introduce a Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) system in 1999.
Dr Nweke explained that while many African countries have successfully adopted the ICTN, Nigeria continues to lag due to opposition from certain quarters despite its potential benefits. He clarified the difference between the traditional Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) and the modern ICTN, also known as the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECN).
According to him, while the CTN is a physical document requiring manual processing, the ICTN is a fully digital system that enhances efficiency through automation, real-time tracking, and improved security features. Nweke however called for transparency in the selection of contractors and a structured compliance mechanism to ensure a seamless rollout.
“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council, in collaboration with customs and other agencies, must take proactive steps to monitor and audit the ICTN system to prevent exploitation and inefficiencies.
“The ICTN is not just a monitoring tool; it is a trade enabler,” Nweke stated. “It has been validated by the Union of African Shippers’ Council (UASC) and accepted by the World Trade Organization (WTO). Countries like Ghana, Kenya, and even Brazil have recorded significant improvements in cargo clearance efficiency and security through ICTN implementation. The ICTN reduces errors, speeds up cargo clearance, and facilitates compliance with customs and regulatory requirements,” Nweke explained.
On the contrary, The President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Mr. Lucky Amiwero strongly opposed the planned reintroduction of the ICTN), arguing that it is not backed by law and does not provide any clear service to the industry. He warned that implementing the ICTN under the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) would obstruct the clearance of goods and increase trade inefficiencies.
Amiwero questioned the legal basis for the ICTN, stating that neither the NSC nor the NPA has the legal authority to operate an electronic cargo tracking system. He also dismissed claims that the ICTN would enhance revenue generation for the Nigerian government, insisting that port charges must be legally justified.
The National Council President further criticized multiple charges at the ports, including terminal fees and e-call-up (Eto) fees, which he argued were contributing to Nigeria losing freight components to neighboring countries.
“When the Cargo Tracking Note was introduced the first, second, and third time, we stopped it. It is not a United Nations Convention on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) initiative but a regional arrangement for West and Central Africa. We must ask: under what law is the NSC operating the Cargo Tracking Note? You cannot impose charges on cargo without a legal framework,” Amiwero stressed.
Speaking in the same vain, Dr Segun Musa, Managing Director of Widescope Nigeria Limited and National Vice President of NAGAFF, echoed Amiwero’s sentiments. He argued that the ICTN is unnecessary, given the NCS’s existing advanced manifest and physical examination capabilities.
Musa criticized individuals lobbying for ICTN’s introduction, claiming they are only seeking personal financial benefits.
“Cargo tracking is already covered by the Nigeria Customs Service using the advanced manifest system. If Customs says they lack the capacity to track cargo, then we should return to pre-shipment inspection,” Musa stated
