By this year’s second quarter, the federal government is expected to start implementing the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) in all of the country’s ports.
In Ibadan yesterday, Pius Ukeyima Akutah, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), made this announcement.
Akutah gave a speech at the Five Year Strategic Management Retreat in Ibadan, Oyo State, which had as its theme The Future-Transition from Nigerian Shippers Council to Nigeria Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA).
The NSC scribe noted that the Council’s 2025 budget is strategically anchored on the 1 per cent freight stabilisation fee, with plans to initiate its collection following Presidential approval to the NPERA Bill.
“I welcome you to this transformative management retreat with profound honor,” he said. Today, we embark on a vital journey to establish the future of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) as it converts 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.
He claimed that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has a strong history of effect and tenacity, having defended shippers’ rights, promoted ethical business practices, and increased port competition.
Signing the Minimum Standards of Conditions of Service for Workers in the Shipping Industry is just one of the Council’s noteworthy accomplishments from the last year. launching the Inland Dry Ports Operational Manual and holding the 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges; opening the Online Registration Portal to consumers and regulated port service companies; building the Confirmation of Reasonableness of Demurrage, Freight Rate, and Charter Party Fees (CRD) Portal and the E-Regulatory Process Portal (ERPP); recouping billions of naira via effective complaint resolution procedures and launching a Leadership Development Program to boost institutional capability via succession planning.
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Our dedication to providing value to stakeholders and guaranteeing a smooth transition to NPERA is demonstrated by these achievements.
“It is noteworthy that the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), advised by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is set to be implemented in the second quarter of this year, paving the way for improved operational oversight and revenue generation.”
The 1% freight stabilization fee is strategically anchored on the Council’s 2025 budget, he said, with plans to start collecting it as soon as the NPERA Bill is signed into law by the president.
Strengthening stakeholder engagement to promote inclusivity and collaboration; promoting transparency and fairness through predictable regulatory policies; improving operational efficiency to prepare for a smooth transition to NPERA; and advancing sustainability by balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility are the four strategic priorities that will be the focus of this retreat.
“This retreat is not just a planning session but a collaborative platform for crafting actionable solutions and building a solid framework for regulatory excellence,” he said. By uniting our expertise, creativity, and dedication, we can lay the foundation for a more competitive, inclusive, and sustainable maritime sector.
According to the program’s outline, each Directorate has a distinct role that emphasizes the practical approach needed to successfully implement NPERA. Akutah stated, “Let’s take advantage of this chance to create a future of creativity, excellence, and advancement.”
