The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stepped up preparations for the operational take off of its newly installed FS6000 cargo scanning machine at APM Terminals, Apapa Port, as part of efforts to modernise cargo examination and enhance trade facilitation.
This followed a working visit on Monday, December 22, 2025, by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), DCG Oluyomi Adebakin, who inspected the scanning site located at the jetty side of APM Terminals.
This was disclosed in a press release by the Public Relations Officer , Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman on 23rd December 2025
The visit comes ahead of the deployment of the scanners, which have recently completed final test runs and simulation exercises. The initiative forms a key component of the Service’s drive toward paperless cargo clearance, improved operational efficiency and alignment with international best practices.
During the inspection, DCG Adebakin explained that the visit was aimed at ensuring all necessary arrangements were in place for a seamless transition to full scanner-based operations at the port, in line with global standards.
She noted that readiness for the deployment is a joint responsibility involving the Nigeria Customs Service, APM Terminals and the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP), adding that the current level of preparedness stands at about 80 per cent, with outstanding critical components expected to be addressed before commissioning.
According to her, assessments from the scanning examination and system analysis indicate that the system is technically ready for deployment, with confidence that full operational readiness will be achieved ahead of commissioning.
The Deputy Comptroller-General also highlighted the benefits expected from the new system, assuring port users of faster cargo clearance, reduced demurrage, seamless operations and improved ease of doing business. She emphasised that the FS6000 scanner is a non-intrusive inspection solution designed to strike a balance between trade facilitation and regulatory compliance, with a throughput capacity of about 200 containers per hour.
The visit followed the successful completion of a final simulation exercise conducted on November 6, 2025, under the supervision of the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, during which the scanners were tested for real-time synchronisation of scanned images with electronic cargo declarations.
Comptroller Oshoba reaffirmed 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.
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