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The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has renewed its push to finally operationalise the long-delayed International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), setting an ambitious target for full implementation before the end of 2026.
NSC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Pius Akutah MON, disclosed this during the 2026 First Quarter Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement, Sectoral Performance Review, and Ministerial Management Retreat in Lagos on Thursday.
Akutah clarified institutional responsibilities within Nigeria’s port digitalisation framework, noting that while the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is charged with deploying the Port Community System (PCS), the NSC is leading the ICTN initiative.
He revealed that groundwork for the project is already advanced, with presidential approval secured for the procurement phase, which is currently in progress.
“We have already obtained approval from the President to proceed with procurement, and that process is ongoing,” he said.
Addressing stakeholder concerns, Akutah acknowledged the ICTN’s troubled history, marked by multiple suspensions and inconsistent implementation. However, he stressed that the current administration is determined to break that cycle.
Describing previous attempts as “checkered,” he assured that lessons have been learned and that stronger safeguards are being put in place to ensure continuity this time.
According to him, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy is driving a deliberate, detail-oriented process to eliminate operational bottlenecks and prevent another policy reversal.
“The Minister is taking all necessary steps to ensure that this phase of implementation will not be suspended,” Akutah stated.
The NSC boss added that ongoing efforts are focused on resolving lingering technical and stakeholder issues ahead of the final rollout.
Once implemented, the ICTN is expected to significantly enhance cargo tracking and visibility, improve transparency in trade transactions, and strengthen regulatory oversight across Nigeria’s maritime value chain—key outcomes in the government’s broader port reform and ease-of-doing-business agenda.
