Akutah: With ICTN Implementation, Nigerians Can Be Sure of Faster Cargo Clearance, Container Security

By Francis Ugwoke

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, has stressed the huge benefits that will be achieved with the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) in Nigeria.
Akutah explained that the implementation of ICTN will boost trade facilitation, considering its container security and faster clearance of goods from the seaports.
Speaking to newsmen recently, the ES noted that the use of ICTN in the past years was not successful
Akutah while identifying the benefits of ICTN , said that many attempts to implement it had gone down the drain.
According to him, “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 explained that once there is documentary evidence of cargoes, the process of clearing the goods becomes more seamless.
He pointed out that with ICTN deployment, every necessary information regarding the cargo would be established and uploaded from the port of origin before the goods arrive in Nigeria.
He further added that based on this, monitoring of the container while on the high sea becomes easier.
The NSC boss said the use of ICTN also makes it easier for container handling since the types of goods are indicated therein from the point of shipper.
With the content of the container already known, handlers of the goods will be careful handling the items at the ports, he said.
He also said that one of the benefits in the use of the ICTN is in revenue generation which will assist in developing, sustaining ports and the economy.
Akutah added, “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.”
“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”.

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