Akutah reassures industry on ICTN amid reform drive
By Afiong Edemumoh The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, has assured maritime stakeholders that the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) will be implemented before the
By Afiong Edemumoh
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, has assured maritime stakeholders that the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) will be implemented before the end of 2026, following renewed government commitment and the resolution of longstanding policy setbacks.
Akutah gave the assurance while responding to stakeholders’ queries at the 2026 First Quarter Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement, Sectoral Performance Review, and Ministerial Management Retreat held in Lagos, where concerns were raised over the coordination of key port digitalisation initiatives, including the National Single Window and the Port Community System.
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Addressing the concerns, Akutah clarified the delineation of responsibilities among agencies and confirmed that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is leading the ICTN implementation, backed by presidential approval and ongoing procurement processes.
He said, "When you talked about the national single window, while the NPA is implementing the Port Community System, the Nigeria's Shippers' Council is to implement the International Cargo Tracking Note.
"The Honourable Minister has done considerable work on that. We have already obtained approval from the President to go on with the procurement process. That is ongoing.”
Situating the ICTN within Nigeria’s broader maritime reform architecture, Akutah explained that the initiative complements the Nigerian Ports Authority’s Port Community System and the Federal Government’s National Single Window, all of which are designed to enhance cargo visibility, streamline trade processes, and improve operational efficiency across the port value chain.
He further acknowledged stakeholders’ concerns over the ICTN’s history of policy reversals, assuring that deliberate steps are being taken to ensure a seamless and sustainable rollout this time.
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“We are very hopeful that before the end of this year, which is coming up with the ICTN, all of you know that it has a checkered history of implementation and suspension. The Minister is taking all steps necessary to ensure that this ending of implementation under his leadership will not be suspended eventually,” Akutah stated.
The ICTN, a critical cargo intelligence tool, is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight, curb revenue leakages, and improve trade data integrity within the country's maritime ecosystem. Its successful deployment is also seen as a key enabler for boosting investor confidence and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness as a regional maritime hub.
Reinforcing the government’s commitment to getting it right, Akutah emphasised that all outstanding issues are being addressed ahead of implementation.
He added, “So every effort is being put to ensure that all the issues pending are resolved before the International Cargo Tracking Note can be implemented.”
