The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has commissioned a state-of-the-art Data Analytics Centre and inspected the newly installed Drive-Through Scanner at Apapa Port, marking a significant step toward modernising customs operations and strengthening trade facilitation.
Speaking during the commissioning in Lagos, the CGC emphasised the critical role of data in modern customs administration, describing it as the “real currency” of international business and a vital tool for effective communication and cooperation among global institutions.
According to him, leveraging data analytics will enhance risk management, improve cargo monitoring, and strengthen the ability of the Service to facilitate legitimate trade while combating smuggling.
As part of efforts to improve officer welfare, the Customs boss also commissioned a clinic dedicated to the health and well-being of personnel.
The Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Emmanuel Oshoba, described the development as the beginning of a new era of intelligence-driven operations.
“The CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Analytical Arena houses key operational units, including the Analytics Centre of Excellence,” Oshoba said.
He noted that the facility reflects the CGC’s vision to deploy modern technology and analytics to combat smuggling and facilitate trade under the Customs-PACT initiative.
The CGC and his management team also inspected the newly installed Drive-Through Scanner at APM Terminals Apapa.
Oshoba explained that the scanner would significantly streamline cargo inspection processes, reduce cargo dwell time, and enhance security at the nation’s busiest maritime gateway.
“This is a game-changer for Apapa Port,” he said.
During the visit, journalists were taken round seized containers at the terminal, where Customs officials uncovered 13 containers with irregular cargo, including expired pharmaceuticals, unregistered medicines, restricted security equipment, and large quantities of codeine-based products.
Among the seizures were:
Containers loaded with expired drugs including Mixagrip, Ladinax and Chloroquine
Unregistered pharmaceuticals such as Hyegra 200 and Sildenafil Citrate
800 cartons of Codeine concealed in toilet cisterns
1,700 cartons of Codeine cough syrup and 1,575 cartons of CSMIX with Codeine
Restricted security gear including bulletproof vests and helmets
Large quantities of expired food products and beverages
347.57kg of Cannabis sativa discovered in a Toyota Sienna
The total value of the seized items is estimated at ₦6.3 billion, according to Customs authorities.
Adeniyi warned smugglers that Apapa Port is no longer a playground for illegal activities, stressing that enforcement actions would remain firm and uncompromising.
He added that compliant traders would continue to benefit from improved trade facilitation and predictability under the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme.
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