The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Oluwadare Oshoba, has urged port users and stakeholders to brace for a more seamless and technology-driven trade process as the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) intensifies its modernisation efforts. This follows the commencement of the installation of fixed scanners at Apapa Port.
During an inspection of the designated site for the installation of three state-of-the-art scanners, Comptroller Oshoba expressed confidence that the development would significantly boost operations at the port. He revealed that each scanner has the capacity to process up to 200 containers per hour, enabling faster and more efficient cargo clearance.
According to Oshoba, the scanners have been strategically positioned close to the quay to ensure comprehensive, non-intrusive, technology-driven inspection of all consignments. He emphasized that no cargo would escape scrutiny, thereby improving security and reducing smuggling activities.
The CAC commended the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his visionary leadership and commitment to driving the Customs modernisation agenda. He disclosed that after the installation phase, intensive “train-the-trainer” sessions would be organized to adequately prepare officers for the full deployment and effective management of the new scanners.
He also urged ICT personnel within the service to prioritize capacity building, particularly in first- and second-tier maintenance of the scanners—a first-of-its-kind initiative in both West and Central Africa.
Highlighting the benefits of the project, Oshoba advised importers, exporters, and clearing agents to embrace honest and accurate declarations, warning that the new scanners would easily detect concealment and false documentation.
“On behalf of our officers and men, I sincerely thank the CGC for steering us into a new era of revolutionary customs modernisation. These scanners are just one of the many benefits we are beginning to enjoy from this transformation,” Oshoba said.
He revealed that the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) had committed to completing the scanner installation within 45 days. While two scanners are being supplied by TMP, an additional unit will be provided by APM Terminals, guaranteeing uninterrupted cargo inspection and strengthening Apapa Port’s status as Nigeria’s premier gateway for international trade.
“All stakeholders must play their part in achieving this goal, which will save time, increase revenue, boost national security, promote trade, and drastically reduce port-related crimes right from the point of entry,” he added.
Providing further insights, Aliyu Suleiman, TMP Site Team Leader, explained that the scanners are NUCTECH FS6000 models from China, featuring high-throughput, drive-through X-ray technology. These systems can carry out non-intrusive inspections at speeds of up to 15 km/h, producing detailed images capable of detecting concealed contraband and hazardous materials.
He added that the scanners are designed for operational flexibility and can integrate with tools like License Plate Recognition (LPR) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for enhanced efficiency.
To further strengthen operations, APM Terminals has pledged to deploy a mobile scanner as backup to minimize downtime and ensure continuous, uninterrupted cargo inspection.