The Director of Research, Sea Empowerment Research Centre, Dr. Eugene Nweke has appealed to stakeholders in the maritime industry to allow the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) which would in turn add value to the Nigerian ports system.
Since the news of the planned reintroduction of the ICTN filtered in, the subject has generated a heated debate in the industry among stakeholders with opposing views resonating.
Delivering an address at a roundtable, organised by the Maritime Reporters Association Of Nigeria (MARAN), Nweke appealed to stakeholders to allow the implementation of the policy as it would add value to the industry.
Nweke, who spoke on the roundtable’s theme, “Proposed International Cargo Tracking Note: A Second Look by Critical Stakeholders” held at its International Press Conference in Apapa Lagos, on Thursday. expressed worries about the backlash that has trailed the proposed re-introduction of the policy.
He said: ‘It’s puzzling why some individuals in Nigeria oppose the International Cargo Tracking Note. Nigeria’s logistics performance index rating is often low due to its inability to effectively trace, track, and monitor cargo movement. Meanwhile, other countries in the West and Central Africa subregion have successfully implemented ICTNs and single-window systems’.
Addressing the fears raised by the stakeholders on how the policy will add to port costs, Nweke noted that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) as the implementation agency knows just too well that its image is at stake, if the policy fails.
Nweke furthersaid: ‘I am aware that some stakeholders have raised concerns about the potential increase in costs associated with ICTN implementation. However, I argue that the long-term benefits of improved security, efficiency, and transparency will outweigh the initial costs.
‘Moreover, the ICTN system can be designed to be flexible and adaptable to the needs of different stakeholders, minimizing disruption to existing operations.
‘Once again, I enjoy all to allow and support the Nigerian Shippers Council in its efforts and commitment towards adding value to our port system.
‘May I reinstate that, the NSC understands too well the errors and confusion that trailed the past CTN era, and as such knows that its corporate image and integrity are under the sun. As such, let’s give peace a chance and allow the NCS to add value to our port system’.
He, however, called for stakeholder engagement to address the issues raised.
‘Effective stakeholder engagement is critical to the success of ICTN implementation. The NSC understands the essence of engaging with all relevant stakeholders, including shippers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other industry players, to ensure that their concerns and needs are addressed. This can be achieved through regular consultations, workshops, and training sessions’, he added.
In his welcome address, MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere said that as the country moved to reintroduce the ICTN, there must be fresh prospective to ensure that there are no duplication of efforts and transparency is prioritized.
‘As we move to reintroduce the ICTN, it is critical that we approach it with a fresh perspective and an understanding of the lessons learned from the past. We must ensure that there is no duplication of efforts, that transparency is prioritized, and that the concerns of all stakeholders are heard and addressed’. he said.
He said that it is with this in mind that the MARAN decided to take the lead in organising this roundtable discussion.
‘The time has come to resolve the controversies and come to a consensus. MARAN, as the leading maritime beat association in Nigeria, recognizes the importance of fostering dialogue and understanding among all parties involved’, Bivbere further said.
