The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has called for industry wide support for the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), highlighting its success in other countries and its potential to enhance security, streamline trade, and reduce delays in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Speaking at the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) Roundtable, last week, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, ACG Charles Orbih, stressed that the ICTN, reintroduced by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is a transformative initiative that will modernise Nigeria’s ports and boost competitiveness in global trade.
“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”, ACG Orbih stated.
The Zonal coordinator pointed to success stories in Ghana, Kenya, Turkey, and Brazil, where ICTN has reduced cargo dwell time, minimised theft, enhanced revenue collection, and improved trade efficiency.
“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 allows for pre-arrival processing of cargo, real-time tracking, and automated risk assessment, leading to faster clearance, lower demurrage charges, and better predictability for businesses.
Acknowledging concerns about potential cost increases and bureaucratic hurdles, ACG Orbih reassured stakeholders that the system is designed to reduce, and not complicate port operations.
He assured stakeholders that ICTN will be implemented in phases, with continuous engagements to ensure a smooth transition.
