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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎A presidential nod to commence the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) has been granted the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
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‎Disclosing this in Lagos, Thursday, Executive Secretary of the NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah confirmed that already work is in progress to consolidate the procurement processes needed.
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‎Dr Akutah was speaking during the Ministerial Management Retreat and the 2026 first quarter stakeholders’ engagement.
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‎“We have already obtained approval from the President to proceed with the procurement process, and that process is ongoing,” Akutah said.
‎He explained that while the Nigerian Ports Authority is spearheading the deployment of the Port Community System (PCS), the NSC has been mandated to drive the ICTN, a complementary initiative aimed at enhancing cargo tracking and trade transparency.
‎Akutah acknowledged the troubled history of the ICTN in Nigeria, describing its past implementation attempts as “checkered,” but expressed confidence that the current administration is determined to avoid previous pitfalls.
‎According to him, the minister is taking deliberate steps to ensure that the project is executed seamlessly and does not suffer the repeated suspensions that hampered earlier efforts.
‎“The Minister is taking all the necessary steps to ensure that the implementation under his leadership will not be suspended,” he added.
‎He further revealed that the Council is intensifying efforts to resolve outstanding operational and stakeholder concerns ahead of the full rollout, expected before the end of 2026.
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‎When fully operational, he assured, the ICTN is expected to significantly improve cargo visibility while strengthening regulations.
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‎Speaking at the event which featured the signing of the traditional performance bonds between the Minister and agencies under him, the  Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola warned heads of agencies that performance would no longer be evaluated by intentions but by verifiable results.
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‎Dr  Oyetola  emphasised that all Departments and Agencies under the Ministry must remain firmly focused on delivering tangible results.  These agencies include the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. Others are the National Inland Waterways Authority and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria.
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‎Performance bonds signed at the retreat, the Minister explained, were binding commitments that would be rigorously monitored.
‎“These are not ceremonial documents. They are binding commitments. Accountability will not be optional,” he declared.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, says the Electronic Ports Access Call-up System, otherwise known as ETO, is a critical intervention system designed to address persistent disruptions in port logistics that have previously hampered operations while negatively affecting port users and port area residents.
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‎Developed in partnership with Truck Transit Parks Limited (TTP), the ETO system established a structured framework for truck movement scheduling and access to the ports, significantly reducing congestion and improving traffic flow within Apapa.
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‎Dr Dantsoho  made this clarificatio  in Lagos, Tuesday, during an interactive session with the press. He explained that the NPA has intensified efforts to advance the Port Community System (PCS) even as it embarks on a comprehensive review of the ETO itself.
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‎NPA MD who was represented by Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the Agency’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, said the noticeable improvement in travel time and accessibility into Apapa is a testament to the system’s impact. Routes previously battling with traffic gridlock  are now more navigable.
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‎With the initial contract for the ETO now expired, he disclosed that the system is undergoing a detailed assessment to identify operational gaps, address stakeholder concerns, and strengthen the efficiency. Such reviews,  he added, are routine and necessary to ensure optimal performance and sustainability.
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‎He, however, assured that the ETO remains operational under interim arrangements to avoid any disruption to current port activities, underscoring its continued relevance in daily port operations.
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‎The ongoing review, being carried out in collaboration with TTP is expected to produce a reformed operational model aligned with the NPA’s broader digitalisation agenda. At the centre of this agenda is the Port Community System (PCS), an integrated digital platform aimed at linking all stakeholders within the port value chain.

Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

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‎The PCS, NPA stated, will harmonise multiple standalone systems currently operated by different agencies and service providers into a single interface, enabling seamless data exchange, improved coordination and enhanced operational efficiency.
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‎Dantsoho noted that the transition to a Port Community System reflects global best practices, where interoperability among stakeholders drives transparency and efficiency. While acknowledging minor integration challenges, he expressed confidence that ongoing collaboration among stakeholders will come to the rescue.
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‎On ports concession renewal, the NPA boss acknowledged that several agreements have expired but explained that the Federal Government is prioritising a thorough review process before granting fresh renewals. He said the objective is to address legal issues and establish more balanced and effective agreements.
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‎He noted concerns raised by some operators over the uncertainty but maintained that interim extensions granted by the government signal a commitment to maintaining stability while detailed reforms are concluded.
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‎The Authority also pointed to the complexities of deploying digital platforms such as ETO and PCS in emerging port corridors like Lekki, where operational control is shared among multiple stakeholders. He noted that, unlike Apapa, implementation in Lekki requires broader alignment among private investors and government institutions in the business corridor.
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‎Dantsoho assured that port operations will continue seamlessly throughout the review period, expressing optimism that the outcome will consolidate the gains of the ETO while ushering in a more integrated and efficient system under the PCS framework.
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‎He added that the next phase of digital transformation will position Nigeria’s ports for greater efficiency, improved stakeholder collaboration, and enhanced global competitiveness.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎H. E. Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and Chairman, Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea, is pushing for stronger regional co-operation and increased investment in the fisheries sector across West and Central Africa.
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‎According to a release by Dr Bolaji Akinola, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Communications, the Minister made the call in Monrovia, Liberia, Monday, while speaking at the National Fisheries Investment Conference, March 30 to 31, 2026. The conference which was declared open by Liberia’s President, Joseph Nyuma Boakai,  was attended by Ministers responsible for fisheries and aquaculture from across the West African subregion.
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‎Describing the gathering as timely, Oyetola said it provided an important platform to unlock opportunities in fisheries and the wider blue economy. “This Conference comes at a critical time for our region,” he said, noting that the sector remains central to food security, employment and economic growth.
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‎According to him, millions of people across West and Central Africa depend on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods, while fish remains one of the most affordable sources of protein. However, he warned that the sector continues to face serious challenges.
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‎“Despite our rich marine and inland water resources, the sector continues to face significant challenges,” he said, citing declining fish stocks, weak infrastructure, and limited access to finance and modern technology.
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‎Dr. Oyetola emphasised that addressing these challenges requires a clear focus on sustainability, investment and regional collaboration. He stressed that without proper management of marine and inland resources, long-term gains would be impossible.
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‎“Our oceans, rivers, and coastal ecosystems must be carefully managed… without sustainability, long-term benefits cannot be achieved,” he stated.
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‎He said the the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is repositioning fisheries and aquaculture as key drivers of the blue economy. He explained that policies aimed at boosting local production, reducing imports and strengthening regulation are already delivering results, including continued access to international markets for shrimp exports.
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‎He also highlighted broader reforms in Nigeria’s blue economy, including actions to tackle marine pollution, improve port infrastructure and enhance maritime security. According to him, the country’s recent record of zero piracy incidents has helped improve investor confidence in the Gulf of Guinea.
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‎On investment, the minister called for greater funding across the entire fisheries value chain including aquaculture, processing, cold-chain logistics and export development. He noted that with the right policies in place, the sector could generate jobs, particularly for young people, and contribute significantly to economic growth.
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‎He also underscored the importance of regional co-operation, pointing out that fish stocks cut across national boundaries.
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‎“No single country can tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing alone,” he said, adding that stronger collaboration through regional bodies such as the FCWC is essential.
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‎In his role as Chairman of the FCWC Ministerial Committee, Oyetola reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening joint efforts in fisheries governance. He highlighted ongoing initiatives, including a regional record of fishing vessels, coordinated patrols and information-sharing systems aimed at improving enforcement and sustainability.
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‎The minister further noted that the FCWC is working to harmonise fisheries policies among member states and promote trade within the region, with the goal of improving value chains and attracting investment.
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