Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stepped up preparations for the operational take-off of its newly installed FS6000 scanning machine at APM Terminals, Apapa, following an assessment visit by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT, DCG Oluyomi Adebakin, on Monday, 22 December 2025.
The visit marks another milestone in the Service’s move toward full deployment of non-intrusive inspection technology, after the completion of final test runs and simulation exercises aimed at strengthening paperless cargo clearance, trade facilitation and operational efficiency.
During an inspection of the scanning site at the Jetty section of APMT, DCG Adebakin said the visit was necessary to validate the level of preparedness ahead of full operational take-off.
“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.
Speaking on the progress made so far, Adebakin explained that readiness for the project is a shared responsibility involving the Nigeria Customs Service, APM Terminals and the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP). She disclosed that the system is currently 80 percent ready.
“From what we have seen, we can say that we are 80 percent ready. The remaining 20 percent 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, and between now and the commissioning, we will achieve a proper take-up,” she noted.
The DCG also highlighted the benefits that port stakeholders should expect once the scanner becomes operational. According to her, the new system will significantly enhance cargo clearance timelines while reducing costs and minimising physical examinations.
“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 follows the successful final simulation exercise conducted on November 6, 2025, under the supervision of the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba. The test confirmed real-time synchronisation of scanned images with electronic declarations, a critical requirement for automated cargo inspection.
Comptroller Oshoba has reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to support the Service’s ICT-driven reforms, noting that Apapa Port is fully committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure an efficient transition to scanner-based cargo examination.
The FS6000 scanner is expected to be commissioned soon, marking a major leap in Nigeria Customs Service’s digital transformation drive.