By ebosele@hotmail.com –
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has carried out a comprehensive inspection of newly installed cargo scanning facilities at
the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO)Plc and the Skyway Aviation Handling Company
(SAHCO)Plc warehouses at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, as part of preparations for the deployment of non-intrusive inspection technology.
City Business News reports that the inspection, led by the Acting Comptroller of Non-Intrusive Inspection, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Umar Madugu, assessed the operational readiness of the CX180-180DH pallet cargo scanners, with the project now awaiting final regulatory approval before full deployment.
Speaking after the assessment, Madugu said the inspection was aimed at ensuring the facilities are fully prepared to support faster, safer and more efficient cargo clearance operations.
He disclosed that Customs officers assigned to operate the scanners had undergone specialised image analysis training last month to equip them with the skills required to accurately interpret scanner images, significantly reducing physical examinations while strengthening border security.
As part of measures to ensure smooth operations, Madugu recommended immediate implementation of enhanced security and traffic management protocols around the scanning areas.
According to him, traffic assessment officers will be strategically positioned, while Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras will be installed to monitor and coordinate the movement of inbound and outbound cargo within the scanning zones.
“Traffic assessment officers will be positioned strategically and CCTV cameras put in place to coordinate the movement of inbound and outbound cargo within the scanning area to ensure seamless operations and improve efficiency,” he said.
City Business News reports that the readiness assessment was conducted jointly with representatives of Trade Modernization Project Limited and the Quality Assurance Unit, who evaluated the facilities to ensure they meet operational standards ahead of commissioning.
Before commencing the inspection, Madugu paid a courtesy visit to the Customs Area Controller of the FCT Area Command, Comptroller Victoria Aliboh, to obtain formal clearance for the exercise.
