Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has urged industry stakeholders to support the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note, ICTN, emphasizing its potential to enhance port security, streamline trade, and reduce delays in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Speaking at a media roundtable, the Customs Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller General Charles Orbih, described the ICTN as a “transformative initiative” capable of modernizing Nigeria’s ports and positioning them competitively in global trade.
Highlighting international success stories, Orbih cited Ghana, Kenya, Turkey, and Brazil as examples where ICTN has significantly improved trade efficiency, reduced cargo dwell time, minimized theft, and enhanced revenue collection.
“This is not just about adopting new technology. It’s about improving how we conduct maritime trade. Successful implementation will make our ports more efficient, transparent, and competitive.
“The Ghana Revenue Authority has seen remarkable improvements since implementing ICTN in 2015, while Kenya has significantly cut cargo clearance time since 2014. Beyond Africa, Turkey and Brazil have leveraged this system to enhance security without disrupting trade,” he noted.
He further explained that ICTN enables pre-arrival cargo processing, real-time tracking, and automated risk assessment, resulting in faster clearance, lower demurrage costs, and better predictability for businesses.
Addressing concerns over potential cost increases and bureaucratic hurdles, Orbih reassured stakeholders that the system is designed to simplify—not complicate—port operations.
“ICTN will be implemented in phases, with continuous stakeholder engagement to ensure a smooth transition,” he assured.
