NSC Secures Presidential Nod to Launch ICTN, Tighten Cargo Transparency at Nigerian Ports

The Federal Government has approved the full implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), setting the stage for a major shift in Nigeria’s port operations, aimed at strengthening cargo security, improving trade transparency, and modernising maritime logistics.
The development was confirmed by the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Pius Akutah, during a ministerial citizens and stakeholders’ engagement organised by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Lagos.
The ICTN, also referred to as the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN), is a globally recognised digital documentation system that requires detailed cargo information to be submitted and verified before shipment arrival. The platform enables real-time tracking of goods, improves risk management, and ensures advance declaration of cargo typically days before vessels dock at Nigerian ports.
According to Dr Akutah, the latest approval from the Presidency marks a decisive breakthrough for a policy that has faced repeated delays and resistance over the years. Nigeria had previously attempted to implement the ICTN on at least two occasions, but both efforts were stalled amid opposition from segments of the import and clearing community.
This time, however, the NSC boss said the government is approaching implementation with stronger institutional backing, clearer stakeholder engagement, and renewed political will to ensure the reform is not derailed.
Dr Akutah disclosed that the Council has already made substantial progress on the project, noting that presidential approval has been secured for the procurement process, which is currently underway as part of the rollout strategy.
“The Honourable Minister has done extensive groundwork to facilitate this initiative, and we have secured presidential approval for the procurement process, which is ongoing,” he said.
He added that lessons from previous failed attempts have been carefully studied, with efforts now focused on addressing operational bottlenecks, stakeholder concerns, and system integration challenges before full deployment.
The NSC boss emphasised that the current administration is determined to avoid a repeat of past suspensions that weakened earlier implementation efforts. According to him, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy is fully committed to ensuring that the ICTN becomes fully operational within the current implementation cycle.
“The Minister is taking all necessary steps to ensure that this phase of implementation will not suffer suspension. We are more prepared now than ever before,” Akutah noted.
The ICTN is expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s maritime trade governance by improving cargo visibility, reducing the incidence of under-declaration, preventing fraud, and strengthening national security through better data intelligence.
Industry stakeholders have long argued that Nigeria’s ports suffer from inefficiencies linked to poor cargo tracking systems, delays in documentation, and limited pre-arrival verification processes. The introduction of ICTN is therefore seen as a key reform aligned with global best practices in port management.
Once fully implemented, the system is also expected to improve revenue assurance for government agencies, reduce cargo dwell time, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness within regional and global trade corridors.
The NSC reaffirmed that implementation remains a core mandate of the Council, describing the ICTN as a strategic reform critical to repositioning Nigeria’s maritime sector for efficiency, transparency, and investor confidence.
With procurement already underway and presidential backing secured, attention is now shifting to execution, stakeholder alignment, and system readiness ahead of the planned rollout before the end of the year.
Federal Government approves full implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), as the Nigerian Shippers’ Council moves to enhance cargo security, improve trade transparency, and modernise Nigeria’s port operations.
NSC has secured presidential approval for the rollout of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council set to implement the digital cargo tracking system to improve port security, transparency, and trade efficiency.