Reviving Cargo Tracking for Maritime Security

At an event hosted by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria in Apapa, maritime experts endorsed the revival of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) in Nigerian ports.

They highlighted the importance of this system in promoting transparency, combating illegal trade, and enhancing Nigeria’s participation in global maritime commerce. Stakeholders also recommended granting more authority to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to manage the initiative.

Read Also:

• Passenger Takes Virgin Atlantic to Court Over Lost Luggage
• Nigeria Calls for Urgent Global Economic Reforms at G20 Meeting

Dr. Pius Akutah, the Executive Secretary of the NSC, stressed that ICTN was not a new venture for the council, as it had successfully overseen the system before its suspension. Speaking through Celestine Akujobi, the Director of Consumer Affairs, he affirmed the council’s readiness to reintroduce ICTN, ensuring its operation would prioritize economic benefits and security over mere revenue generation. He noted, “The NSC is committed to implementing it in a way that enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and strengthens national security. The system is not a duplication of the NCS role; rather, it complements existing frameworks, as evidenced by previous collaborations between the NSC, Customs, and the Central Bank of Nigeria.”

Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Charles Orbih, highlighted ICTN’s potential to strengthen border security. Referring to past interceptions of contraband, he stated, “We must rise to the clarion call of protecting our borders. Forget the cost implications; security comes first. The ICTN will allow us to track cargo digitally and scientifically, ensuring that threats are neutralized before they pose harm.”

Dr. Eugene Nweke, representing the Sea Empowerment and Research Centre, urged Nigeria to adopt ICTN in line with international standards. He remarked, “America has adopted advanced cargo tracking, and many African nations have implemented ICTN. Nigeria must follow suit to enhance revenue collection, trade efficiency, and security.”

Furthermore, Dr. Mubarak Mahmoud of the Importers Association of Nigeria emphasized the balance required between maintaining business efficiency and national security, asserting, “IMAN believes that an ordinary Nigerian businessman should not do his business at the expense of national security, nor should he do business at an entire cost to his hard work.”

ICTN is a sophisticated tracking mechanism enabling real-time cargo monitoring from origin to destination.