Customs Preparation For Scanner Deployment At Apapa Port Hits 80%

Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria – December 23, 2025: The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has intensified preparations for the operational take-off of its newly installed FS6000 scanning machine at APM Terminals, Apapa, as part of ongoing reforms to modernize cargo clearance and enhance trade facilitation.

This is even as the Customs authorities put readiness for the deployment of the scanner at 80 per cent, with the remaining critical components expected to be addressed before commissioning.

Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT, Oluyomi Adebakin, led a team on a working visit to the scanning site on Monday, December 22, 2025, to assess readiness ahead of commissioning.

In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Isah Sulaiman noted the Adebakin during the inspection, explained that the visit was aimed at ensuring adequate pre-arrangements for a seamless transition to full scanning operations.

“The reason for this visit is the preparation for the take-up of the FS6000 scanning machine at the Jetty side of APMT, so that we can have a smooth transition to a scanning system which aligns with international best practices,” she said.

She noted that readiness currently stands at 80 per cent, with the remaining critical components expected to be addressed before commissioning.

Adebakin assured port users that the deployment of the scanners would deliver: easter cargo clearance; reduced demurrage; improve ease of doing business and a balanced approach between trade facilitation and compliance.

According to her, “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. The scanner has a throughput capacity of about 200 containers per hour.” 

The visit follows the successful completion of a final simulation exercise on November 6, 2025, supervised by Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command. The exercise confirmed real-time synchronization of scanned images with electronic declarations.

Comptroller Oshoba reiterated the Command’s commitment to supporting ICT-driven reforms and working closely with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to full scanner-based cargo examination at Apapa Port.