Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, has reaffirmed its resolve to fully implement the International Cargo Tracking Note, ICTN, assuring stakeholders that concrete steps are being taken to ensure a smooth and sustainable rollout.
Speaking at the 2026 First Quarter Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement, Sectoral Performance Review, and Ministerial Management Retreat in Lagos, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, highlighted progress made toward the long-anticipated project.
He explained that while the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, is responsible for deploying the Port Community System, PCS, the NSC has been mandated to drive the ICTN initiative as part of efforts to strengthen efficiency and transparency in the maritime sector.
Dr. Akutah disclosed that presidential approval has been secured for the procurement process, which is already underway.
He noted that this marks a significant step forward in actualising the project.
Reflecting on previous attempts to implement the ICTN, he acknowledged that the initiative had experienced a “checkered” history, characterised by intermittent suspensions.
However, he assured stakeholders that lessons from past setbacks have informed the current approach.
He emphasised the determination of the present administration to ensure continuity, stressing that measures are being put in place to prevent further disruptions to the project.
According to him, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, is committed to delivering a stable and enduring implementation that will not suffer the fate of previous efforts.
When operational, the ICTN is expected to enhance cargo visibility, strengthen regulatory oversight, and improve transparency in Nigeria’s maritime trade ecosystem.
Industry stakeholders have consistently advocated for its implementation, citing its potential to curb revenue leakages, boost security, and align Nigeria’s port operations with global best practices in cargo tracking and management.
