House Probes Non-implementation of International Cargo Tracking Notes by Nigeria Shippers Council

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate circumstances surrounding the non-implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Notes (ICTN), identify any obstacles or challenges faced by the Nigeria Shippers Council in carrying out its role effectively.

The decision of the House followed the adoption of a motion moved at plenary yesterday, by Hon. Ahmad Muhammad.

Moving the motion, the lawmaker said Nigerian ports handle nearly 60 per cent of Gulf of Guinea cargo, making it the primary destination in West and Central Africa.

Muhammed, added that the cases of undocumented cargo in seaports posed security and efficiency challenges, perpetuating fraud arising from the concealment of cargo manifests, leading to a lack of reliable data that leads to revenue loss for the nation.

He explained that the Union of African Shippers Councils (UASC) introduced the International Cargo Tracking Notes (ICTN) in 1998, as a measure to enhance the safety and security of supply chain facilities, track the origin and destination of cargo, and provide reliable data on imports and exports.

 The lawmaker added that ICTN technology centralises tamper-proof information, improves monitoring, and prevents illegal activities like smuggling and counterfeiting, aligning with World Trade Organisation (WTO) and World Customs Organisation (WCO) recommendations on trade facilitation and security.

 Muhammed, expressed concern that the measure had not been fully implemented in Nigeria due to alleged irregularities despite the presence of the Nigeria Shippers Council as the implementing authority, aiming for transparency and efficiency.

He expressed worry that non-implementation had led to increased cargo-related security challenges, such as smuggling and illicit trade, resulting in significant financial losses costing the country billions of Naira due to the lack of accurate data and revenue leakage.

 To this end, the House mandated the, “Committee on Shipping Services and Related Matters to investigate the circumstances surrounding the non-implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Notes (ICTN), identify any obstacles or challenges faced by the Nigeria Shippers Council in carrying out its role effectively, and report back within six weeks for further legislative action.”