SEREC Calls for Immediate Implementation Of Cargo Tracking Note Regime In Nigeria
SEREC Calls for Immediate Implementation Of Cargo Tracking Note Regime In Nigeria
Fwdr Dr.Eugene Nweke,Head, Research,SEREC
BY Frank Odinukaeze
The Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) has issued a clarion call to the Federal Government for the immediate commencement and implementation of the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) regime in Nigeria’s international trade and port value-adding system.
This call comes after a comprehensive analysis of the relevance of reintroducing the CTN in enhancing trade security and port efficiency.
According to Fwdr. Eugene Nweke,Head of Research ,other organisation,SEREC’s findings highlight the evolving trends in the port industry, which increasingly favor the adoption of new technologies and innovations in cargo processing operations. These include electronic CTNs, blockchain-based CTNs, and API-based CTNs, all aimed at providing more efficient, secure, and transparent ways to track and manage cargo.
The Nigerian government, through the Nigeria Shippers Council, has already approved the deployment of electronic cargo tracking notes for port operations. This move is expected to reduce delays in cargo shipment, cut costs for importers, and make the process more efficient and transparent. Additionally, the reintroduction of electronic cargo tracking notes is seen as a way to curb insecurity and improve trade facilitation by providing an accurate and reliable system to track and manage cargo, thereby reducing the risk of theft, loss, or damage.
Fwdr Nweke noted that despite these advancements, the implementation of this approved trade security and facilitation tool has been delayed for reasons not communicated to industry stakeholders. SEREC emphasizes the importance of immediate action, detailing the relevance and complementary roles of the CTN in the international trade and port security system. The organization asserts that the modern and effective implementation of CTNs is crucial for addressing security concerns and facilitating trade.
A Call to Action for the Federal Government
The Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) reiterates its strong support for the immediate commencement and implementation of the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) regime in Nigeria’s international trade and port value-adding system. The CTN plays a crucial role in enhancing trade security, efficiency, and transparency, benefiting all stakeholders in the port and shipping industry, including shippers, freight forwarders, port operators, and the overall port system.
The adoption of modern trade facilitation tools, such as electronic CTNs, blockchain-based CTNs, and API-based CTNs, underscores the need for a standardized and reliable system to track and manage cargo. The CTN’s complementary roles in various trade facilitation initiatives, such as the Single Window Project, B’odogwu Application, Advanced Ruling, Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) program, Forensics Application, and the deployment of scanners, further highlight its indispensability.
SEREC calls on the Federal Government to expedite the implementation of the CTN regime to address security concerns, reduce delays, and enhance the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s port operations. By doing so, Nigeria can create a more attractive and competitive trade environment, fostering increased trust and confidence among businesses and investors.
Going further,Fwdr Eugene Nweke said,
“THE RELEVANCE AND ROLES OF THE CARGO TRACKING NOTE – CTN IN THE WORLD OF SHIPPING :
“In shipping operations and industry, the cargo tracking note (CTN) plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient movement of goods. Here are some ways the CTN is relevant in shipping operations and industry:
a).Cargo Tracking: The CTN allows shippers, freight forwarders, and shipping lines to track the movement of cargo in real-time, from the point of loading to the point of discharge.
b).Cargo Identification:The CTN provides a unique identifier for each shipment, making it easier to identify and locate cargo in the event of a delay or discrepancy.
c).Customs Clearance: The CTN is required for customs clearance, as it provides detailed information about the cargo, including its description, weight, and value.
d).Insurance and Liability: The CTN is used to determine the liability of shipping lines, freight forwarders, and other parties involved in the transportation of goods.
e).Claims and Disputes: In the event of a claim or dispute, the CTN provides a clear record of the cargo’s movement and handling, helping to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
f).Supply Chain Visibility: The CTN provides visibility into the supply chain, allowing shippers and freight forwarders to monitor the movement of goods and make informed decisions about their logistics operations.
g).Compliance: The CTN helps ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, such as customs regulations, safety regulations, and environmental regulations.
h)Risk Management: The CTN helps to mitigate risks associated with cargo transportation, such as loss, damage, or delay, by providing a clear record of the cargo’s movement and handling.
“ADDITIONAL RELEVANCE AND COMPLIMENTARY ROLES OF THE CTN IN SHIPPING OPERATIONS AMONGST THE STAKEHOLDERS:
In shipping operations, the CTN is used by various stakeholders, this includes.
a).Shipping Lines: Shipping lines use the CTN to track and manage cargo, as well as to provide customs clearance and other regulatory compliance.
b).Freight Forwarders: Freight forwarders use the CTN to track and manage cargo on behalf of their clients, as well as to provide customs clearance and other regulatory compliance.
c).Shippers:* Shippers use the CTN to track and manage their cargo, as well as to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
d). Port Authorities: Port authorities use the CTN to track and manage cargo movement within the port, as well as to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
e). Customs Authorities: Customs authorities use the CTN to verify the accuracy of customs declarations and to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
“In Conclusion, the cargo tracking note is still a relevant document in the international trade and port security system, even with the introduction of modern trade facilitation tools. It provides a standardized way of tracking and managing cargo, ensuring that it is properly declared, cleared, and released.
“In shipping operations, the CTN remains a critical component of shipping operations and industry, providing a standardized way to track and manage cargo, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and mitigate risks associated with cargo transportation
” Indeed, the SEREC wish to reechoe that, the CTN is an essential document in the ports system, and its relevance is not diminished by the introduction of new technologies and systems, rather, it is deliberate embrace to port industry trends and as such it is the way to go.
” Finally, it is pertinent to state that, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has the onerous task to introduce and manage the system in a manner that would not add to the cost of doing business at the ports. This is a crucial consideration, as the goal is to facilitate trade, not to create more barriers or expenses to the shippers.
“On this note, we call on the Federal Government, especially, the Hon Minister of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to support the Nigeria Shippers Council, now the industry economic regulator to flag off the commencement of the Cargo Tracking Note implementation without further delays for port operational efficiency sake.”
The Federal Government must prioritize the implementation of the CTN regime to ensure the continued growth and development of Nigeria’s international trade and port value-adding system.
SEREC’s call to action underscores the need for the Federal Government to expedite the implementation of the CTN regime to enhance Nigeria’s trade security and port efficiency, ultimately making the trade process more attractive to businesses and investors.
