Reintroduction of Cargo Tracking Note Will Increase Clearance Costs, Says Segun Musa
LAGOS/Nigeria: The Managing Director of Widescope Nigeria Limited, Dr. Segun Musa, has warned that the reintroduction of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) will significantly raise the cost of cargo clearance at Nigerian ports.
Speaking on Thursday in Lagos during an interactive session with the leadership of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), Musa described the ICTN as a policy that could further cripple the economy.
Musa, who is also the National Vice President of the Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), argued that the ICTN serves the same purpose as the Customs Risk Assessment Report, which already profiles all cargo entering the country.
“Through the intervention of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), following a petition I initiated, the ICTN was suspended at the airport. Why is the government bringing it back after previously jettisoning it?” he queried.
He urged the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to fully automate cargo clearance and delivery, emphasizing that the introduction of the B’Odogwu system was expected to facilitate trade and streamline operations.
“We need full automation. The use of private companies should be discouraged. Instead, individuals should handle cargo clearance with unique identity numbers. From inspection to delivery, everything must be automated to ensure integrity in customs operations,” he stated.
On concerns about foreigners taking over the freight forwarding business in Nigeria, Musa dismissed the claims, insisting that the industry remains open to all qualified practitioners.
“Freight forwarding is an international profession. Participation is based on capacity and strength. The government should create a level playing field for all actors,” he said.
Musa also addressed the National Single Window (NSW) initiative, expressing confidence in its implementation as it would not be controlled by a single agency. He called for the establishment of a committee of trusted stakeholders to oversee its execution.
Assessing the performance of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, Musa lamented that the sector remained largely underutilized.
“We cannot harness the natural resources in our oceans if the right people are not in the right positions. How do we talk about the blue economy without ships and essential equipment?” he questioned.
Highlighting the economic challenges of 2024, Musa cited inconsistent government policies, forex fluctuations affecting cargo traffic, and mounting pressure from customs to meet revenue targets.
“We had opportunities to change the narrative, but weak associations failed to protect our interests. The incessant rise in diesel prices further escalated transportation costs. The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) remains ineffective, leaving freight forwarders to bear their struggles alone,” he lamented.
Despite these setbacks, Musa expressed hope for a more favorable 2025, urging industry stakeholders to push for reforms that would enhance the sector’s growth and efficiency.
