Cargo Tracking Note will enhance container security, expedite clearance –NSC

The Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC) says the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) will enhance container security and fast-track their clearance from ports.

Mr Pius Akutah, the Executive Secretary of the council, said this in an interview with the Press.

It was reported that for Nigerian seaports to compete favourably among contemporaries in West and Central Africa, it has to deploy modern trade facilitation tools such as the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN)

The Cargo Tracking Note, also known as a Waiver Certificate, is a mandatory shipping document for importing cargo to 25 African countries.

It is designed to provide local customs authorities with the required information and visibility about the import shipment.

Akutah said that the use of cargo tracking notes in Nigeria had been unsuccessful for several years and called for concern.

According to him, many attempts at implementing the cargo tracking note have gone down the drain.

“It was implemented at some point, but then it was stopped.

“The benefits are enormous, and in a country where we are having a lot of security challenges, we need to implement the international cargo tracking note.

“First of all, as a means of guaranteeing the security of cargo that comes into our country, so we know where the cargo is originating from,” he said.

Akutah said that with documentary evidence of cargoes, the process for clearance of containers would become more seamless.

He said that vital information about a cargo would be established and uploaded from the port of origin before the arrival of the cargo in Nigeria.

According to him, with the note, monitoring of cargoes while at sea will also be easier.

“With the note, you are monitoring the movement of the containers on the high sea, so you can even go ahead and clear your cargo even before it arrives.

“Then, as soon as it arrives, all you need to do is get your driver and a truck to drive into the port and take your container and get out of the port.

“So it will ease up the process for clearance,” he said.

Akutah said that with the use of a tracking note, container handling would also improve because it would indicate what was contained therein from the point of the shipper.

According to him, with knowledge of container contents, port handlers at both ends of the transaction will ensure proper handling to minimise damage.

He added that another benefit from the use of the ICTN was revenue generation, which would empower, develop and sustain ports as well as the economy.

“We are looking at how much revenue the government will generate. There is a lot of revenue to be generated in this country that we are not generating yet.

“If we go to other countries, taxes contribute majorly to the sustenance of the economy of their country.

“Here we are not doing anything about taxes. The tax reform, which is coming now, is coming very late,” he said.

Source: Maritime First