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Freight Forwarders drag Shippers’ Council to Presidency over reintroduction of ICTN

–describe the concept as illegal, financial burden on importers 
Funso OLOJO
A section of the freight forwarders under the egies of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents(NCMDLCA) has reported the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to the Presidency over its attempt to resuscitate and impose the suspended International Cargo Tracking Nite(ICTN) on port users.
In their petition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dated February 3rd, 2025 and a copy of which was made available to our reporter, the freight forwarders described the ICTN as illegal as it was not backed by any known law or legislation.
In the petition signed by Mr Lucky Ayis Amiwero, the National President of the freight forwarders group, the angry customs brokers also pointed out that the concept is not tied to any service on fees and charges imposed on importation and exportation.
According to the group, the ICTN, which was first introduced in 2010 by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the  Nigerian Shippers’ Council in 2015/2016, was on both occasions shot down and suspended due to its cost and procedure effect on Cargo clearance.
The agitated freight forwarders therefore expressed dismay over the current attempt by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to reintroduce a concept that was suspended on two occasions due to its defects.
“We hereby bring to the attention of the Federal Government on the push for the implementation of International Cargo Tracking Note(ICTN), which was   first introduced by Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) in 2010 and  the Second in 2015/2016 by Nigerian Shippers council(NSC).
“And  now,  there is a recent  push by the Shippers Council(NSC)  to implement a scheme that  was suspended , due  to the cost and procedure  its effect   on cargo clearance” the group complained.
The freight forwarding group recalled that due to the outcry of the stakeholders over the re-introduction of the ICTN in 2016, the Federal government set up a technical committee comprising the Nigeria Shippers Council(NSC), Manufactures Association of Nigeria(MAN)  Shipping Association of Nigeria(SAN) and the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents(NCMDLCA) to resolve concern of stakeholders.
Then the committee was asked to examine all cost associated with the implementation of international Cargo Tracking Note,ascertain where the cost burden of the implementation of International Cargo Tracking Note, will rest with a view to ensuring that the already high cost of doing business at our port is not worsened, to examine the basis and justification for all related charges with a view to reviewing same and to review the implementation and documentation procedures for charges and service.
“The Committee was Chaired by the National President of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents(NCMDLCA) Lucky Eyis Amiwero,  and after careful assessment  of the deliberation  based on the implication and complexities  the implementation was suspended.”
In the petition, the group make the following claims:
“The international Cargo Tracking Note(ICTN) is not back by  law and will create additional procedure that will constitute delay in the already lengthy and cumbersome port operation.
“It is not tied to Service  of any sort, as contained in Articles  6: of Trade Facilitation Agreement(TFA) on Fees and Charges imposed in connection with Importation and Exportation.
“Furthermore, the  Nigeria Customs Service Act Section 28-(1)-(4)  covered the obligation of  Cargo Tracking Note, which conferred authority to the Service, of develop, maintain and employ and electronic system, while the Service is lead agency for exchange of information   between the Service, Agencies of the Government, and traders.
 “As provided in Section 28 and 35 of the Nigeria Customs Act, the deployment  of electronic system, and Pre-arrival process is the  exclusive preserve of   the service and  is the lead agency to all Government Agencies,  which clearly exclude other government agencies from deploying international electronic Tracking Note  system”
“The legislation of other government Agencies, do not contain any provision of electronic` system and pre-arrival process, in relation to Import and Export and the clearance of goods”
The freight forwarders therefore challenged the Nigerian Shippers’ Council that deployment of  any electronic system is in contravention of the laws, additional cost, duplicated process, and obstacle to trade.
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Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

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Headlines

One infant, three adults die, several others sustain injuries in fatal train derailment along Warri- Itakpe route 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the death of four passengers in a train derailment along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State on Monday, June 8th, 2026.
Several others suffered various degrees of injuries.
In a statement by the Ministry of Transportation  and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the victims included two female adults, one male adult and one infant.
The accident involved four coaches which reportedly capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives.
The statement confirmed that a total of 442 passengers were booked on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482.
The NRC had activated immediate rescue and evacuation operations with the support of the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, the Police, Civil Defence, local authorities, security agencies, and other emergency responders, and were completed by 6:30 p.m on Monday .
The Injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.
 Other notable individuals on board included the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, among others.
As of the time of this release, 24 serious injuries have been recorded, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.
One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
“The Ministry and the NRC extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured.
“The Corporation also appreciates the swift intervention of the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the Special Rescue and Emergency Team, medical personnel, and members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts” the statement declared.
The ministry said full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities while efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation.
The Ministry in conjunction with the NRC have commenced a full investigation into the cause of the accident while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected.
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Commentaries

Why Nigeria must prioritize competency development and standards to harness gains of  blue economy

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
Nigeria is endowed with vast maritime resources which offer enormous opportunities for economic growth, employment generation, food security, and environmental sustainability.
With its fabled over 850 kilometers of coastline, extensive inland waterways, and strategic access to the Gulf of Guinea, the country is naturally blessed to emerge as a hub for maritime activities in Africa.
However , taking advantage of these huge massive maritime opportunities should be the priority of Nigerian government which must be intentional on developing competency level of its Maritime professionals and raise their
adherence to international standards.
The blue economy encompasses diverse sectors including shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, offshore energy, maritime logistics, shipbuilding, and marine environmental management.
 These sectors are highly knowledge-driven and require a workforce equipped with specialized skills and globally recognized certifications.
Without competent professionals, Nigeria risks losing economic opportunities to countries with better-trained maritime personnel and stronger institutional frameworks.
Competency development is essential for enhancing productivity, safety, and operational efficiency across the maritime sector.
Skilled seafarers, marine engineers, port operators, logistics professionals, and environmental experts are critical to ensuring that maritime activities meet international best practices.
 As global shipping and offshore industries become increasingly technology-driven, continuous training and capacity building are necessary to keep Nigerian professionals competitive in the international labour market.
Skilled maritime professionals such as seafarers, marine engineers and allied personnel in the sector could be sources of foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria as they could be exported to the international community.
Philippines and India are the world’s top exporters of skilled maritime personnel such as seafarers where they get the chunk of their foreign exchange.
If Nigeria could develop such capacity in skilled labourers in the sector and export their expertise, the country could harvest bountifully from such venture.
Equally important is the adoption and enforcement of internationally recognized standards.
Standards provide the framework for quality assurance, safety management, environmental protection, and operational excellence.
Compliance with global maritime standards established by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization(IMO) and the Nautical Institute enhances Nigeria’s credibility as a maritime nation and attracts foreign investment.
Investors and international partners are more likely to engage with institutions and businesses that demonstrate compliance with recognized benchmarks.
That is why the recent certification of the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited by the  UK Nautical Institute is germaine to Nigeria’s quest to develop training capacity and build compliance with standard procedures
This feat also underscores the importance of world-class training institutions in building local capacity.
That is why the  government should give necessary assistance to training institutions in Nigeria such as Maritime Academy of Nigeria(MAN),  Oron and the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited.
Such government patronage and assistance will not only improve the quality of maritime training in Nigeria but also position the country as a regional centre  for maritime education and professional development.
Prioritizing competency development and standards will also contribute significantly to maritime safety and environmental sustainability.
Well-trained personnel are better equipped to prevent accidents, manage maritime risks, and respond effectively to emergencies.
 Furthermore, adherence to environmental standards helps reduce marine pollution, protect biodiversity, and ensure the sustainable utilization of ocean resources, which are fundamental pillars of the blue economy.
From an economic perspective, a competent workforce and strong standards framework can increase Nigeria’s participation in global maritime trade, create high-value jobs, reduce dependence on foreign expertise, and improve the country’s competitiveness.
 It also supports local content development by enabling Nigerian professionals and companies to meet the requirements of international contracts and projects.
In conclusion, competency development and standards are not optional components of Nigeria’s blue economy strategy; they are foundational requirements for its success.
 By investing in human capital, strengthening training institutions, and enforcing internationally accepted standards, Nigeria can fully harness the immense potential of its maritime resources and transform the blue economy into a major driver of national development, economic diversification, and sustainable growth.
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