Nigeria: Cargo tracking note introduced.
Description
The Nigeria Ports Authority has introduced a Cargo Tracking Note System which it says will improve cargo security and safety. From 11 January 2010 every commodity loaded or unloaded in Nigeria, or with Nigeria as the final destination requires, prior to shipment a cargo tracking note or an International Cargo Tracking document from representatives of the Nigeria Ports Authority. The sole authorised representative is Transport and Ports Management System (TPMS) Ltd (TPMS Antaser Afrique).
It is mandatory for all cargo coming out of or into Nigeria, whether imports or exports, to be accompanied by a cargo tracking note and every bill of lading has to be accompanied by a corresponding cargo tracking note number.
This legal change increases the cost of shipping products into and out of Nigeria. It will, therefore, harm foreign firms exporting from Nigeria as well as foreign firms seeking to import into Nigeria. Readers are cautioned, however, that the government has provided a non-trade related rationale for this measure. The question arises as to whether the same non-trade rationale could have been attained at lower cost; unfortunately not enough information is available to determine this.
Any Evidence-Based Deliberation:
| Question | Result |
|---|---|
| Is there anything in the public record to suggest that evidence of the effectiveness of the proposed measure was considered during official deliberations? | |
| Is there any evidence that alternatives to the proposed measure were considered? | |
| Is there anything in the public record that suggests that empirical evidence informed the comparison across the alternatives available to government? | |
| Was such evidence identified? | |
| Is such evidence publicly available? | |
| Did the official decision-maker in question provide an explanation as to why a chosen measure was favoured over alternatives? | |
| Is there any evidence to suggest that potentially affected trading partners were consulted before the measures were taken? | |
| Is there any evidence that safeguards have been put in place to ensure that implementation of the initiative is transparent and non-discriminatory? | |
| Did the government state its intention to review the measure within one year of implementation? |
Date Discovered: 25/01/2010
Implemented: Yes
Date of inception: 11 Jan 2010
GTA Evaluation: Red
Source:
Nigeria Ports Authority, Notice to all Carriers and Maritime Agents, http://www.nigerianports.org/dynamicdata/uploads/newsimages/ctnotice.pdf
Government Response:
- 3104 reads
