Shippers’ Council Hits Back At NCMDLCA, Insists ICTN Backed By Law
By Frederick Wright
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has insisted that its International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) is backed by law, discarding the stance of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) in its recent petition.
Shippers’ Çouncil, in a statement by its spokesperson, Mrs Rebecca Adamu said the ICTN is not only backed by law but is also a critical instrument for enhancing trade transparency, revenue protection, and national security.
Declaring that the ICTN has legal backing Adamu said the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as an economic regulator, is legally empowered to introduce mechanisms that enhance trade facilitation.
“ICTN is not a duplication of existing processes but a complementary tool that aligns with Nigeria’s customs and port regulatory framework,” she added.
NSC said the claim that ICTN will create additional delays is incorrect. “On the contrary, the system streamlines cargo inspection and clearance through automated pre-arrival information. It reduces inefficiencies in port operations and enhances trade facilitation” it stated.
Also, the Adamu said the argument that only NCS has authority over electronic tracking systems is misleading, stating that the ICTN is an additional regulatory mechanism, which works in synergy with customs systems to enhance compliance, risk assessment, and trade efficiency.
According to Adamu, the ICTN is being implemented with key objectives such that it provides real-time cargo data, reducing smuggling, cargo under-declaration, and trade fraud.
“It strengthens the country’s supply chain security by ensuring cargo visibility from the port of loading to the port of destination.
“The system enables pre-arrival processing, allowing regulatory agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), to assess risks before cargo arrival. This leads to faster clearance times, reduced congestion at ports, and lower demurrage costs for traders”.
She added that: “ICTN ensures accurate cargo valuation, preventing revenue loss due to false declarations. It helps in blocking financial leakages caused by incorrect customs duties, levies, and tariffs.
“Many countries, including advanced economies, successfully deploy ICTN for effective cargo monitoring and trade regulation.
“Nigeria’s adoption of ICTN aligns with the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and international maritime security standards.
“ICTN contributes to national security by detecting illicit trade, including arms smuggling, drug trafficking, and other contraband.
“The system also strengthens Nigeria’s ability to meet international obligations under trade and security treaties,” she stated.
According to her, the NSC, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has reviewed concerns regarding cost implications, implementation procedures, and system efficiency, adding that the ICTN framework now reflects stakeholder inputs to ensure minimal disruption to business operations.
She however, assured that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains committed to fostering a competitive, transparent, and efficient shipping environment.
“We urge stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue rather than misinformation, as ICTN is a vital tool for modern trade facilitation in Nigeria. The Council is open to further engagement with all industry players to ensure that ICTN implementation maximally benefits the Nigerian economy” she stated.
