The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has reached 80 per cent readiness in preparations for the deployment of its newly installed FS6000 cargo scanning machine at APM Terminals, Apapa.
The disclosure was made on Monday, December 22, 2025, during a working visit to the terminal by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), DCG Oluyomi Adebakin.
The visit followed the successful completion of final test runs and simulation exercises on the scanner and is part of the Service’s broader push for paperless cargo clearance, trade facilitation and improved operational efficiency.
Inspecting the scanning site at the jetty side of APM Terminals, DCG Adebakin explained that the visit was aimed at ensuring adequate pre-arrangements and operational preparedness ahead of full deployment, in line with international best practices.
She noted that effective deployment of the scanner is a shared responsibility among the Nigeria Customs Service, APM Terminals and the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP).
“From what we have seen, we can say that we are about 80 per cent ready. The remaining 20 per cent is very vital, and I believe that prior to commissioning, it will be properly fixed,” Adebakin said.
According to her, system analysis and scanning examinations already conducted show that the machine is technically fit for operations, adding that all outstanding components would be addressed before commissioning.
Adebakin assured port users that the deployment would bring faster cargo clearance, reduced demurrage, seamless operations and improved ease of doing business, while maintaining 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,” she said, noting that the scanner has the capacity to process about 200 containers per hour.
The visit built on the final simulation exercise conducted on November 6, 2025, under the supervision of the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, where real-time synchronisation of scanned images with electronic declarations was successfully tested.
Comptroller Oshoba reaffirmed the Apapa Command’s commitment to Customs’ ICT-driven reforms and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to full scanner-based cargo examination at the port.
