by Oluwakemi Dauda
The federal government will begin the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) across the nation’s ports by the second quarter of this year, it was learnt.
The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Pius Ukeyima Akutah revealed this in Ibadan, yesterday.
Akutah spoke during the Five Year Strategic Management Retreat held with the theme: The Future-Transition from Nigerian Shippers Council to Nigeria Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) in Ibadan, Oyo State
The NSC scribe said that the Council’s 2025 budget is strategically anchored on the 1 per cent freight stabilisation 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).
“This retreat marks a critical step in shaping a comprehensive 5-year strategic plan for 2025–2029, designed to advance the maritime sector through enhanced efficiency, adaptability, and innovation.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council, he said, has a proud legacy of resilience and impact—protecting shippers’ interests, fostering fair trade practices, and driving competitiveness within our ports.
“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.
“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.”
Looking ahead, the Council’s 2025 budget, he said, ” is strategically anchored on the 1% freight stabilization fee, with plans to commence its collection upon Presidential assent to the NPERA Bill.
“Our focus during this retreat will revolve around four strategic priorities: Strengthening stakeholder engagement to foster inclusivity and collaboration; Promoting transparency and fairness through predictable regulatory policies; Enhancing operational efficiency to prepare for a seamless transition to NPERA; and driving sustainability by aligning economic growth with environmental responsibility.
This retreat, according to him, “is not merely a planning session but a collaborative platform for crafting actionable solutions and building a solid framework for regulatory excellence. By uniting our expertise, creativity, and dedication, we can lay the foundation for a more competitive, inclusive, and sustainable maritime sector.
“As the programme outlines, each Directorate has a clearly defined role, emphasising the hands-on approach required to implement NPERA successfully. Let us seize this opportunity to shape a future of innovation, excellence, and progress,” Akutah said (Nation)