The proposed implementation of International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) has been greeted with as much goodwill as criticisms at Nigerian seaports, with concerns about additional cost implications amid the worthy security and transparency gains it portends.
Strong opposition to the proposed ICTN initiative has seen it described as “another toll gate” that would place additional financial strain on businesses and consumers, however, the anticipated benefits include; transparency, speedy cargo clearance and enhanced port efficiency.
To demystify ICTN, Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is set to host maritime stakeholders for a roundtable meeting on the controversies and opportunities with the ICTN initiative scheduled for implementation by the federal government in the second quarter of 2025.
Maritime eggheads and top industry regulators including; Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) are billed to give paper presentations at the event holding on Thursday, February 27th 2025 at MARAN Secretariat, Apapa GRA by 10am.
Themed: “Proposed International Cargo Tracking Note: A Second Look By Critical Stakeholders,” the event is expected to address controversies from both the protagonists and antagonists of the concept, with each party justifying its position.
Concerned stakeholders such as; Shippers’ Association of Lagos State, Importers’ Association of Nigeria, Sea Empowerment Research Centre and the Widescope Group, will also be on ground to discuss the presentations and give their perspectives towards finding common grounds and lasting solutions for the smooth takeoff of the policy.
Speaking on the importance of the roundtable, the MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, stressed that there is an urgent need to put the controversies surrounding ICTN to rest once and for all.
According to him, “Since the news of the planned reintroduction of the ICTN filtered out, it has been a subject that has polarized the maritime industry and as the leading maritime beat association in Nigeria and in furtherance of our advocacy role, MARAN has decided to bring all the contending players under one roof to settle this issue once and for all in order to move forward and develop our sector which is very critical to the nation’s economy.”
Meanwhile, invited guest speakers and stakeholders have confirmed their readiness to attend the program and share their opinions on the subject matter.
