The only permanent thing in life is change. And yet ,people would go out of their way to prevent change, even when in the long run, such changes are for the common good of society.What an irony.Once again, the reintroduction of the controversial International Cargo Tracking Note is in the news.
The International Cargo Tracking Note, ICTN is a mandatory Shipping document required by certain countries, primarily in Africa, which details the specifics of a cargo shipment before it arrives at the port of destination, allowing Customs authorities to monitor import/export traffic efficiently. Simply put,it is a form of electronic cargo tracking note used to provide transparency and security regarding the movement of goods across borders. Mooted by the Nigerian Ports Authority in 2010, there have been several failed attempts to kickstart the scheme due to varied interests in government circles, and from the organized private sector. This brings us to this very important question. If the whole idea of the ICTN is to make for a transparent transaction of trade at our entry points, be they land borders, seaports and airports, and eliminate physical contact with port officials, why then this push back from those who are likely to be the main beneficiary of such a beautiful scheme? The answer to this all important question cannot be far fetched. Like the current tax reform bills before the National Assembly, what perhaps is lacking from the proponents of the ICTN, which in this case , is the Nigerian Shippers Council, is the lack or absence of consultation. What has the current leadership of the Council done to take this campaign to the door steps of the perceived beneficiaries of the scheme. For instance, the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, has not shifted grounds on its earlier positions which led to the suspension of scheme. It’s President, Lucky Amiworo, insists that ICTN , has laudable as its promoters want the public to believe ,runs against the spirit and letter of trade facilitation, apart from what it called an undisputed fact that it adds another layer to the cost of doing business at the ports and other entry points.
In a petition dated February 3,2025 and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Amiwero described ICTN as illegal and not backed by law. He said the scheme which was first introduced by the Nigerian Ports Authority in 2010 before being inherited by the Nigerian Shippers Council between 2015/2016, was nothing but an impediment to easy clearance of goods. Mr Amiwero draw the attention of President Tinubu to a committee which was set up in 2016 and whose recommendation led to the suspension of the scheme by the Buhari administration. The petition explained that the fears which led to the suspension of the scheme have not been addressed and advised President Tinubu to jettison the new push. But in a swift response, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer at the Nigerian Shippers Council, Dr Pius AKUTAH ,explained that contrary to fears by the public and likes of Amiwero the introduction of the scheme will enhance trade facilitation at Nigerian Ports. According to Akutah, the scheme is ” meant to enhance efficiency and transparency in the global supply chain”. He told critics that contrary to their fears ” ICTN is designed to ensure the traceability of goods across International borders by assigning a unique identification number to each shipment. It is therefore a tool to enhance trade globally”. The Shippers Council helmsman explained further that the concept of International Cargo Tracking Note emerged from the need for greater efficiency and transparency in global supply chain, particularly as trade and commerce expanded, given that 85 per cent of global trade is through the seas. Said Akutah: ” The mechanism enhances visibility and accountability in the shipping process, reducing opportunities for fraud, smuggling and theft, particularly in monitoring daily crude oil exports, importation of illicit drugs and arms into the country, amongst other infractions “. And sensing that the fight for supremacy over the propriety or otherwise of the re introduction of the ICTN, the foremost Maritime Reporters Association, MARAN, is set to convene a strategic stakeholders engagement in the days ahead. The idea is bring together the contending forces with a bid to come up with an acceptable position. But from all indications, Mr Amiwero’s National Council and other groups opposed to the introduction of the ICTN may have their say, but certainly, the Nigerian Shippers Council is likely to wait, because it seems to me this is a ‘ fait accompli’.