
Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Akutah
Barring any unforeseen circumstance beyond its control, all is set for the official implementation of International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) in Nigerian ports effective Quarter II of 2025 by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
This date was given by the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr Pius Akutah at a management retreat holding at Ibadan, Oyo State.
Addressing top management staff during the retreat with the theme; ‘The Future-Transition from Nigerian Shippers Council to Nigeria Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA)’, Akutah revealed that under the guidance of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, ICTN will commence in the second quarter of 2025.
He averred that “Notably, under the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) is scheduled for implementation in the second quarter of this year, setting the stage for enhanced revenue generation and operational oversight”.
“Council’s 2025 budget is strategically anchored on the 1% freight stabilization fee, with plans to commence its collection upon Presidential assent to the NPERA Bill”.
According to him, “With profound honour, I welcome you to this transformative management retreat. Today, we embark on a pivotal journey to define the future of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) as it transitions into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA).
“Over the past year, the Council has recorded remarkable achievements, including: Signing the Minimum Standards of Conditions of Service for Workers in the Shipping Industry; Launching the Operational Manual for Inland Dry Ports & Hosting the 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges; Rolling out the Online Registration Portal for regulated port service providers and users; Developing the E-Regulatory Process Portal (ERPP) and the Confirmation of Reasonableness of Demurrage, Freight Rate, and Charter Party Fees (CRD) Portal; Recovering billions of naira through robust complaints handling mechanisms; and Introducing a Leadership Development Program to strengthen institutional capacity through succession planning.
“These accomplishments underscore our unwavering commitment to delivering value to stakeholders and ensuring a seamless transition to NPERA”.
Before now, there had been failed dates in the past for the resumption of the process at ports. It is believed that the new date of second quarter will remain sacrosanct.