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 a working visit by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT, DCG Oluyomi Adebakin.
The inspection visit, which took place on Monday, December 22, 2025, comes ahead of the full deployment of the scanners, which have recently completed final test runs and simulation exercises at the terminal. The initiative forms part of the Service’s broader drive towards paperless cargo clearance, trade facilitation and improved operational efficiency.
Speaking during an inspection of the scanning site at the jetty side of APM Terminals, DCG Adebakin said the visit was to ensure adequate preparation and readiness for a smooth transition to full scanner-based cargo examination in line with international best practices.
“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.
On the Service’s readiness to deploy scanning and ICT solutions for effective cargo examination, the DCG explained that preparedness is a joint responsibility involving the Nigeria Customs Service, APM Terminals and the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP).
According to her, the current level of readiness stands at about 80 per cent, with the remaining critical components expected to be fully addressed 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, and between now and the commissioning, we will achieve a proper take-up,” she noted.
DCG Adebakin assured port users that the deployment of the scanners would usher in seamless operations, faster cargo clearance, reduced demurrage, ease of doing business and a balanced approach between trade facilitation and 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.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer, Apapa Area Command, Isah Sulaiman, the Service said the visit followed the successful completion of a final simulation exercise conducted on November 6, 2025.
The simulation, supervised by the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, tested the scanners for real-time synchronisation of scanned images with electronic declarations.
Comptroller Oshoba reiterated the Command’s commitment to supporting the Service’s ICT-driven reforms and working closely with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to full scanner-based cargo examination at Apapa Port.
