Chairman of Shipping Lines Association of Nigeria, Boma Alabi SAN at a hearing by the House of Representatives on Monday called for measures that will enhance the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
She made the call in a presentation after an investigative hearing on the circumstances surrounding the non implementation of the international cargo tracking notes, identify any obstacles of challenges faced by the Nigeria shippers council in carrying outfits roles effectively.
It was held by the House of Representative committees on shipping services and related matters, customs, port and harbor and maritime safety, education and administrations.
In the presentation, she kicked against the proposed Cargo Tracking Bill, saying it will not enhance the ease of doing business and trading in Nigeria.
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She said the shipping industry in Nigeria is already over burdened with red tape and certainly does not require another layer of bureaucracy which is what the proposed Bill will result in.
“All exporters and importers are able to track their goods on the website of the shipping lines generally speaking. In addition, the shipping lines have to upload their manifest to the Customs NICIS portal which is connected to the CBN single window. They also have to upload this information to NPA, NIMASA, NDLEA, and DSS. Adding, the ICTN without streamlining the existing process will only result in further delays and congestion,” she said.
The Chairman of the Committee on shipping services and related matters, Rep Abdussamad Dasuki stated that the ICTN is far more than an administrative requirement but an essential tool designed to bring transparency, security, and operational efficiency to the movement of cargo across borders.
He said “Despite its approval and the commitment of various stakeholders, progress towards implementing the ICTN has been hampered by significant challenges. Among these challenges, we believe, are the bureaucratic delays competing interests among agencies, limited coordination between key stakeholders, and the duplication of contracts awarded for its implementation.
“Today’s gathering is an opportunity to tackle these issues head-on. Our goal is to identify the root causes of these delays, address conflicted interests, improve revenue generation by plugging the loopholes that allow illicit cargo such as arms and drugs, to sleep through our ports and ultimately unlock the potential of the ICTN to bring Nigeria’s maritime industry in line with global best practices.
“The insights and contribution from all participants today will be instrumental in shaping the 10th House of Representatives legislative measures required to make the ICTN operational.I urge each and every one of you to engage actively and share your own experience and expertise as the successful implementation of this system is our collective responsibility. Together, we have the opportunity to strengthen our economic security and accelerate our nation’s growth,” he said.