Fed Govt Plans Q2 2025 Launch of Cargo Tracking Note at Seaports

It was learned that during the second quarter of this year, the federal government will start implementing the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) throughout the country’s ports.

Pius Ukeyima Akutah, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), made this announcement yesterday in Ibadan.

The topic of Akutah’s speech was The Future-Transition from Nigerian Shippers Council to Nigeria Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) during the Five Year Strategic Management Retreat in Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to the NSC scribe, the Council’s 2025 budget is primarily based on the 1% freight stabilization fee, and it intends to start collecting it as soon as the NPERA Bill is approved by the president.

“With great honor, I welcome you to this transformative management retreat,” he said. As the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) evolves into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), we are starting a crucial journey today to determine its destiny.

The development of a thorough five-year strategy plan for 2025–2029 that aims to develop the maritime industry through increased productivity, flexibility, and innovation is greatly aided by this retreat.

According to him, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has a strong history of tenacity and influence, upholding the rights of shippers, encouraging ethical business practices, and promoting competition in our ports.

“The Council has accomplished several noteworthy things in the last year, such as signing the Minimum Standards of Conditions of Service for Workers in the Shipping Industry; holding the 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges and releasing the Operational Manual for Inland Dry Ports; launching the Online Registration Portal for customers and providers of regulated port services; creating the Confirmation of Reasonableness of Demurrage, Freight Rate, and Charter Party Fees (CRD) Portal and the E-Regulatory Process Portal (ERPP); establishing a Leadership Development Program to enhance institutional capacity through succession planning and recovering billions of naira through strong complaint handling procedures.

These successes demonstrate our steadfast dedication to providing value to stakeholders and guaranteeing a smooth transition to NPERA.

“Notably, the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) is set to be implemented in the second quarter of this year under the direction of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, laying the groundwork for improved revenue generation and operational oversight.”

“The 1% freight stabilization fee is strategically anchored on the Council’s 2025 budget, with plans to commence its collection upon Presidential assent to the NPERA Bill,” he stated.

Four strategic priorities will be the focus of this retreat: enhancing operational efficiency to ensure a smooth transition to NPERA; promoting transparency and fairness through predictable regulatory policies; strengthening stakeholder engagement to promote inclusivity and collaboration; and advancing sustainability by balancing environmental responsibility with economic growth.

He claims that this retreat “is not just a planning session but a collaborative platform for crafting actionable solutions and building a solid framework for regulatory excellence.” We can create a more competitive, inclusive, and sustainable marine industry by combining our knowledge, ingenuity, and commitment.

Each Directorate has a distinct responsibility as outlined in the program, which emphasizes the practical approach necessary for NPERA’s successful implementation. Let’s take advantage of this chance to mold a future of creativity, quality, and advancement,” Akutah stated.