A research –based group, the Sea Empowerment and Research Centre SEREC has appealed to the Federal Government to immediately begin the implementation of the Cargo Tracking Note CTN regime in Nigeria. This is with a view to availing the shipping community in the country of its numerous benefits, especially in terms of cargo safety and security.

This appeal is coming several months after the Federal Executive Council FEC, the country’s highest policy making body gave its approval for the implementation of the scheme to save shippers from further cargo losses and further boost security within the country’s shipping domain.

According to research paper by the SEREC signed by its Head of Research, Dr. Eugene Nweke, and entitled: Industry Clarion Call for Immediate Implementation of CTN in Nigeria, the global port industry trends, tilts towards the evolution of the CTN in cargo processing operations to incorporate new technologies and innovations such as Electronic CTNs, which are becoming increasingly popular because they provide a more efficient and secure way to track and manage cargo.

Others include the blockchain-based CTNs, which are being developed to provide a more secure and transparent way to track and manage cargo, while the API-based CTNs have been found useful in providing a more integrated and automated way to track and manage cargo.

“After a broader analysis on the relevance for the reintroduction of the Cargo Tracking Note CTN in Nigeria’s international trade security and port value adding system, the Sea Empowerment and Research Centre SEREC hereby strongly supports and lends a voice for the immediate commencement and implementation of the Cargo Tracking Note CTN regime in our international trade security and port value adding system.

“Presently, through the Nigeria Shippers Council, the Nigerian government, has approved the deployment of electronic cargo tracking notes for port operations, which is a significant step forward. Expectedly, the intention is to reduce delays in cargo shipment and cut costs for importers, by making the process more efficient and transparent, which is a win-win for everyone involved.

“Additionally, the reintroduction of electronic cargo tracking notes is also seen as a way to curb insecurity and improve trade facilitation. By providing an accurate and reliable system in place, ports can better track and manage cargo, reducing the risk of theft, loss, or damage. This, in turn, can help to increase trust and confidence in the trade process, making it more attractive to businesses and investors.

“Unfortunately, the implementation of this approved modest industry trade security and facilitation tool seems to be delayed for reasons not communicated to the industry stakeholders.

“To buttress our support for this modest industry clarion call for the immediate commencement and implementation of the Cargo Tracking Note CTN regime in our international trading space, the SEREC posits here its reasons as that the trend in the port system and its efficiency is all about using electronic systems to streamline processes, reduce paperwork, and increase efficiency, hence, which the CTN can suitably provide.

Others include the fact that CTN remains a relevant document that plays key complimentary roles amongst the stakeholders in the port/shipping industry, especially with the introduction of modern trade facilitation tools. The CTN also provides shippers with a unique identifier for their cargo, allowing them to track their shipments and ensure that they are properly declared and cleared through Customs, which helps to reduce the risk of delays, fines, and penalties associated with non-compliance.

According to him, for the freight forwarders, the CTN helps to track and manage their clients’ cargo, ensuring that it is properly handled and delivered to its destination. The CTN also helps freight forwarders to identify potential issues or discrepancies in the shipping process, allowing them to take corrective action.

Similarly, for the port operators, the CTN helps to verify the identity and status of cargo, ensuring that it is properly handled and stored within the port, while also helping port operators to track cargo movement and identify potential security risks.

Additionally, it was further learnt that for seaport systems, the CTN is an essential document in the seaports system, as it provides a standardised way of tracking and managing cargo. It also helps to ensure that cargo is properly declared, cleared, and released, thus reducing the risk of delays and congestion within the seaports.

Dr. Nweke, who is a frontline freighter in Nigeria and one- time President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF also observed that with the introduction of modern trade facilitation tools in Nigeria’s seaport system, the relevance and roles of the CTN in adding impetus cannot be over emphasised, adding that the CTN plays complimentary role in facilitating trade.

He said: “For the Single Window Project, which is an electronic platform that allows shippers to submit all required documents and information for Customs clearance, the CTN is still required as part of the documentation process.

“In the B’odogwu Application; a Nigeria Customs system that allows for the electronic submission of Customs declarations, The CTN is still required as part of the declaration process, while for the Advanced Ruling Method, which is a system that allows shippers to obtain a pre-shipment ruling on the classification and valuation of their cargo, CTN is still required as part of the ruling process.

“For the Authorised Economic Operators AEO, a programme that allows trusted shippers to benefit from simplified Customs procedures, the CTN is still required as part of the AEO programme, while Forensic Application, which is a system that uses advanced technology to analyse and verify the authenticity of Customs documents, the CTN is still required as part of the forensics application process.

On the deployment of scanners, which is a technology that allows for the non-intrusive inspection of cargo, the CTN is still required as part of the scanning process.”