Nigeria Customs Advocates for International Cargo Tracking Note to Enhance Maritime Trade
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), emphasising its potential to transform Nigeria’s maritime operations and strengthen global trade competitiveness.
Speaking at a roundtable organised by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), the Coordinator of Zone ‘A’, OC Orbih, highlighted the numerous benefits of the ICTN system while addressing key concerns raised by stakeholders.
The roundtable, themed “Proposed International Cargo Tracking Note: A Second Look by Capital Stakeholders”, brought together maritime industry leaders, including representatives from the Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC), National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANCLA).
Orbih stressed that the reintroduction of the ICTN by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy presents a major opportunity for enhancing security, improving risk management, and streamlining port operations.
“The ICTN system provides cargo information in advance, enabling better threat assessments and targeted inspections. This has proven effective in reducing cargo loss and theft in countries where the system is operational,” Orbih noted.
Additionally, the system will facilitate trade by reducing documentation processing time through pre-arrival cargo data submissions, allowing for faster clearance and minimising port congestion.
The integration of ICTN with existing systems will also create a seamless flow of information between customs and other stakeholders, improving efficiency and reducing operational bottlenecks.
The Nigeria Customs Service pointed to successful implementations of ICTN in other countries, citing Ghana and Kenya as examples where the system has led to significant improvements in cargo clearance and revenue generation.
“Ghana’s implementation of ICTN since 2015 has brought remarkable efficiency in cargo processing, while Kenya has recorded reduced dwell time and improved operational effectiveness since adopting it in 2014,” Orbih stated.
Beyond Africa, countries like Turkey and Brazil have demonstrated how ICTN can enhance security while reducing the need for physical cargo inspections, streamlining processes without compromising regulatory oversight.
While recognising concerns about potential cost implications, Orbih assured stakeholders that any additional clearance costs would be offset by the benefits of reduced delays, lower demurrage charges, and overall efficiency gains.
“We are working closely with stakeholders to ensure that the fee structure for ICTN remains competitive while supporting the system’s sustainability,” he added.
On concerns regarding bureaucracy, Orbih clarified that the system is designed to simplify, not complicate, existing processes. “Rather than introducing an additional layer of regulation, ICTN will centralise information submission and verification, making the process more transparent and efficient.”
He also dispelled doubts about the legal framework for the system’s implementation, citing Section 28 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which empowers the Service to develop and maintain electronic cargo tracking systems.
Orbih reiterated the NCS’s commitment to a phased implementation approach, ensuring that stakeholder feedback is incorporated at every stage.
He urged industry players to embrace ICTN as a necessary step towards modernising Nigeria’s maritime trade landscape.
“This is not just about technology; it’s about fundamentally improving how we conduct maritime trade in Nigeria. Successful implementation will make our ports more competitive, transparent, and efficient,” he affirmed.
The roundtable concluded with a call for collective action to ensure that ICTN is implemented effectively, enhancing security while facilitating international trade.
