By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has renewed efforts to implement the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), assuring stakeholders that concrete steps are being taken to ensure a smooth and sustainable rollout before the end of 2026.
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- The Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, disclosed this on Thursday during the 2026 First Quarter Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement, Sectoral Performance Review, and Ministerial Management Retreat held in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Akutah clarified the responsibilities of key agencies involved in the port digitalisation programme. According to him, while the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is responsible for deploying the Port Community System (PCS), the Shippers’ Council has been mandated to oversee the implementation of the ICTN project.
He noted that considerable groundwork has already been undertaken to facilitate the initiative, particularly by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
Akutah further revealed that the Federal Government has granted presidential approval for the procurement process linked to the project, adding that the process is currently underway.
“We have already obtained approval from the President to proceed with the procurement process, and that process is ongoing,” he said.
The NSC boss acknowledged that the ICTN initiative had experienced inconsistent implementation in the past, describing its history as “checkered.” However, he assured stakeholders that the current administration is determined to learn from previous setbacks and ensure a successful rollout this time.
According to him, the Minister is taking deliberate steps to ensure that the project does not suffer the repeated suspensions that previously hindered its implementation.
“The Minister is taking all the necessary steps to ensure that the implementation under his leadership will not be suspended,” he added.
Akutah explained that efforts are currently being intensified to resolve all outstanding concerns and operational challenges ahead of the final implementation phase.
“When fully operational, the ICTN is expected to improve cargo visibility, enhance transparency in trade transactions, and strengthen regulatory oversight across Nigeria’s maritime sector.”
Industry stakeholders have long advocated the full implementation of the system, noting that it could help curb revenue leakages, boost security, and align Nigeria’s cargo tracking processes with global best practices in port and trade management.
