The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL) have completed factory acceptance tests on newly acquired cargo scanners and an Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) in China ahead of their deployment to Nigeria.
The two-week exercise, which took place from October 9 to 20, 2026, at the facility of Nuctech Company Limited, the equipment manufacturer, involved technical verification of the Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) equipment and the tracking system to ensure they meet contractual specifications and international operational standards.
The exercise was led by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Information Communication and Technology/Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin.
Speaking during the exercise, Adebakin said the equipment would strengthen cargo examination, improve revenue generation, enhance national security and facilitate legitimate trade.
She said the factory acceptance test was a critical quality assurance process to ensure the systems were fit for purpose before shipment to Nigeria.
According to her, the deployment of the technology aligns with the commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to modernise Customs operations through technology.
Adebakin said the new scanners would accelerate cargo examination, reduce cargo dwell time and improve the Service’s ability to detect concealed and prohibited items.
She added that the integration of the scanners with the Electronic Cargo Tracking System would enhance operational efficiency and strengthen cargo monitoring.
The Acting Comptroller of Non-Intrusive Inspection, Deputy Comptroller Umar Madugu, said the deployment would reduce the need for 100 per cent physical examination of cargo, minimise human contact and curb cargo diversion.
Madugu added that the technology would improve efficiency across Customs formations and support more effective cargo control.
Also speaking, the General Manager of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, Bamidele Chinedu, described the factory acceptance test as a significant milestone in the implementation of the Trade Modernisation Project.
He said integrating non-intrusive inspection scanners with electronic cargo tracking was central to building a transparent, technology-driven Customs system.
Chinedu noted that the combination of the two technologies would strengthen cargo monitoring and improve the efficiency of Customs processes.
The Project Manager of Nuctech Company Limited, China, Niu Chao, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the equipment in line with required standards.
He also pledged technical support, capacity building and after-sales services to ensure the effective operation and maintenance of the systems.
As part of the exercise, technical personnel from the Nigeria Customs Service and TMPL received training on the handling, operation and maintenance of the scanners and electronic tracking system ahead of their deployment in Nigeria.
The training is expected to support the smooth integration and long-term sustainability of the equipment within the country’s Customs operations.
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