Executive Secretary/CEO, NSC, Barr. Pius Akutah addressing the Council’s top management at the ongoing strategic retreat holding at Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Nigerian Shippers’ The Council NSC, has announced that the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note ICTN across all the nation’s seaports would commence in the second quarter of 2025. This announcement lays to rest speculations on the actual date for the commencement of the scheme in the country.

Meanwhile, the Council has dispelled fears by some stakeholders that the proposed introduction of the one per cent freight stabilisation levy would increase the cost of doing business at Nigeria’s seaport industry, assuring that such fears are unfounded.

Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council, Barr Pius Akutah, who made these disclosures, spoke while addressing top management staffers of the Council at the ongoing five-day (Jan- 21-25) management retreat holding at Ibadan, Oyo State with the theme: NSC in 2030: Harnessing the Potential of the Marine and Blue Economy through global partnerships and sustainable planning.

Akuta, who presented a paper entitled: ‘The Future-Transition from Nigerian Shippers Council to Nigeria Port Economic Regulatory Agency NPERA’, noted that with the approval and guidance of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Council will begin the implementation of the ICTN in the second quarter of this year.

He also disclosed that the with expected signing into law of the NPERA Bill this year, the Council’s 2025 budget estimates are anchored on revenue from the one per cent freight stabilisation levy.

“Notably, under the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the ICTN is scheduled for implementation in the second quarter of 2025, setting the stage for enhanced revenue generation and operational oversight.

“The Council’s 2025 budget is strategically anchored on the one per cent freight stabilisation levy, with plans to commence its collection upon Presidential assent to the NPERA Bill.

“With profound honour, I welcome you to this transformative management retreat. Today, we embark on a pivotal journey to define the future of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as it transitions into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency NPERA.

“Over the past one year, the Council has recorded remarkable achievements, including: Signing the Minimum Standards of Conditions of Service for Workers in the Shipping Industry; Launching the Operational Manual for Inland Dry Ports and hosting the 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges; rolling out the Online Registration Portal for regulated port service providers and users.

“Others are developing the E-Regulatory Process Portal ERPP and the Confirmation of Reasonableness of Demurrage, Freight Rate, and Charter Party Fees CRD Portal; recovering billions of naira through robust complaints handling mechanisms; and introducing a Leadership Development Programme to strengthen institutional capacity through succession planning, among several others”, Akutah said.

He however noted that these accomplishments underscore the unwavering commitment of the management under his watch to deliver value to stakeholders and ensuring a seamless transition into a full Economic Regulator in line with the new enabling legislation.