The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified preparations for the operational take-off of its newly installed FS6000 cargo scanning machine at APM Terminals, Apapa, as part of efforts to enhance trade facilitation and improve port efficiency.
This followed a working visit on Monday December 22, 2025, by the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), DCG Oluyomi Adebakin, to the scanning site at the jetty side of APM Terminals.
The visit came ahead of the full deployment of the scanner, which has recently completed final test runs and simulation exercises. The initiative aligns with the Service’s drive toward paperless cargo clearance, non-intrusive inspection, and compliance with international best practices.
Speaking during the inspection, Adebakin said the visit was aimed at ensuring adequate preparation and coordination among stakeholders for a smooth transition to full scanner-based operations.
“The reason for this visit is the pre-arrangement and preparation for the take-up of the FS6000 scanning machine at the jetty side of APMT, so that we can have a seamless transition to a scanning system which aligns with international best practices”, she said.
She explained that readiness for scanner deployment is a shared responsibility among the Nigeria Customs Service, APM Terminals, and the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP). According to her, the level of preparedness currently stands at about 80 per cent, with the remaining critical components expected to be completed before commissioning.
“From what we have seen, we can say that we are 80 per cent ready. The remaining 20 per cent is very vital, and I believe that prior to commissioning, it will be properly fixed. From the scanning examination and system analysis carried out, the system is good to go”, Adebakin noted.
Highlighting the benefits of the new system, she assured port users of faster cargo clearance, reduced demurrage costs, seamless operations, and an improved balance between trade facilitation and regulatory compliance.
“The era of scattering people’s goods in the name of examination is over. This is a non-intrusive inspection system in line with international best practices. It is to the advantage of importers, consignees, terminal operators and the Service. The scanner has a throughput capacity of about 200 containers per hour”, she added.
The visit builds on the successful final simulation exercise conducted on November 6, 2025, under the supervision of the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba. During the exercise, the scanners were tested for real-time synchronisation of scanned images with electronic cargo declarations.
Oshoba has reiterated the Command’s commitment to supporting Customs’ ICT-driven reforms and to working closely with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to full scanner-based cargo examination at Apapa Port.