Shippers Council Gets President’s Nod To Implement International Cargo Tracking Note

The executive secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Pius Akutah has disclosed that the council has received presidential approval to implement the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN).

ICTN, also called Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) is a mandatory, digital, cargo loading document required for shipments to many African countries, which enables customs authorities to track cargo in real-time, enhances security, prevents fraud, and ensures the declaration of cargo details at least five days before vessel arrival.

The Shippers Council had twice attempted to implement the ICTN in Nigerian ports but faced hard resistance from importers and licenced customs agents.

Speaking at the ministerial citizens and stakeholders engagement organised by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Lagos on Thursday, Dr Akuta said the NSC was set for a seamless implementation of the ICTN this time and maintained that the system must come through before end of this year.

The 2026 edition of Quarterly Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement, Sectoral Performance Review, and Ministerial Management Retreat held in Lagos on Thursday, which is the first in the series also featured an assessment of the performances of the agencies in the maritime sector and their dedicated roles. Dr Akutah seized the opportunity to clarify on the expectations of shippers and the port community from the council.

He said: “At the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, we have already made a significant progress and the honorable minister has carried out extensive groundwork to facilitate the initiative and we have secured the presidential approval for the procurement process, which is currently underway.

“We all know the inconsist history of the checkered implementation of the ICTN but lessons have been learnt and now we are ready more than ever before to make it work. The minister is determined to break the cycle of repeated suspensions that have trailed the initiative over the years. We see the sincerity of his purpose and we must all support him.”

While noting that efforts are being intensified to address all lingering concerns and operational challenges before the final rollout, Akutah said, “The Minister is taking all necessary steps to ensure that this phase of implementation under his leadership will not be suspended.”