During a public hearing on Tuesday, the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Shipping, Customs, Ports and Harbours, Maritime Safety, Education, and Administration voiced strong disapproval of the Ministry of Blue and Marine Economy’s representation in the ongoing investigation into the delayed implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN). The committee directed criticism toward Babatunde Sule, a director in the ministry, accusing him of inadequately representing Minister Adegboyega Oyetola.
Committee members, including Kabir Maipalace, expressed frustration with Sule’s lack of detailed knowledge on the ICTN, a multi-billion-dollar cargo tracking system contract initiated by the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari.
In March 2023, the government awarded the contract to a consortium led by Antaser Nigeria Limited to implement tracking for all imports and exports, including crude oil.
Sule suggested that the contract’s stalled implementation stemmed from procedural issues, including one of the five contracted companies’ refusal to sign.
However, Sule’s comments did little to appease the committee.
“You don’t seem informed enough on this issue,” Maipalace noted, questioning Sule’s preparedness.
Further expressing dissatisfaction, he added, “I don’t think you are capable enough to represent the minister.
The ministry is not serious; neither the minister nor the Permanent Secretary attended, and you who are here lack first-hand information.”
The committee’s frustrations reflect broader concerns over the Ministry of Blue and Marine Economy’s commitment to implementing the ICTN, a system considered crucial for enhancing transparency and security in Nigeria’s import-export processes.
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