*DCG ICT Visits Scanner Site
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified preparations for the operational take-off of its newly installed FS6000 scanning machine at APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos.
This was sequel to the working visit by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT, DCG Oluyomi Adebakin to the scanner site recently.
The visit comes as a build-up to the deployment of the scanners, which recently completed final test runs and simulation exercises at the terminal as part of NCS drive toward paperless cargo clearance, trade facilitation and operational efficiency.
Speaking during the inspection of the scanning site at the jetty side of APMT, Adebakin explained that the visit was aimed at ensuring adequate pre-arrangement and preparedness for a smooth transition to full scanning operations in line with international best practices.
Her words: “The reason for this visit is the pre-arrangement and preparation for the take-up of the FX6000 scanning machine at the Jetty side of APMT, so that we can have a seamless transition to a scanning system which aligns with international best practices.”
The Public Relations Officer (PRO), Apapa, Area Command, Mr. Isah Sulaiman in a statement made available to Maritime Bits, quoted the DCG ICT saying that on the readiness of NCS to deploy scanning and ICT solutions for effective cargo examination, preparedness is a tripartite responsibility involving the service, APM Terminals, and the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP).
Sulaiman, a Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC), also quoted Adebakin disclosing that the level of readiness currently stands at about 80 percent, adding that the remaining critical components would be fully addressed before commissioning.
Adebakin’s words: “From what we have seen, we can say that we are 80 percent ready. The remaining 20 percent is very vital, and I believe that prior to commissioning, it will be properly fixed. From the scanning examination and system analysis carried out, the system is good to go, and between now and the commissioning, we will achieve a proper take-up.”
Highlighting the benefits stakeholders should expect after commissioning, the DCG assured port users of seamless operations, faster cargo clearance, reduced demurrage, ease of doing business and a balanced approach between trade facilitation and 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. It is to the advantage of importers, consignees, terminal operators and the Service. The scanner has a throughput capacity of about 200 containers per hour,” she added.
Maritime Bits checks revealed that the visit of Adebakin is a follow up on the recent completion of the final simulation exercise conducted on November 6, 2025 under the supervision of the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba.
It is on record that the scanners were successfully tested for real-time synchronization of scanned images with electronic declarations.
Comptroller Oshoba had reiterated the command’s commitment to support NCS ICT-driven reforms and working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to full scanner-based cargo examination at Apapa Port.
