Non-Intrusive Cargo Checks Begin as Customs Prepares FS6000 Scanner Deployment at Apapa
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified preparations for the operational take-off of its newly installed FS6000 cargo scanning machine at APM Terminals, Apapa, in a move that signals the gradual end of manual cargo examination and a major push toward paperless port operations.
This followed a working visit by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT, DCG Oluyomi Adebakin, who inspected the scanning site at the jetty side of APM Terminals on Monday, December 22, 2025, ahead of the scanner’s commissioning.
The visit comes on the heels of the completion of final test runs and simulation exercises on the scanning equipment, as the Service steps up efforts to enhance trade facilitation, operational efficiency, and compliance in line with international best practices.
Speaking during the inspection, DCG Adebakin said the visit was aimed at ensuring that all necessary arrangements were in place for a seamless transition to full-scale scanner-based cargo examination.
“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,” she said.
She explained that the deployment of the scanner and supporting ICT infrastructure is a shared responsibility involving the Nigeria Customs Service, APM Terminals, and the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP), noting that overall readiness has reached an advanced stage.
“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,” Adebakin stated.
Highlighting the expected impact on port operations, the Deputy Comptroller-General assured stakeholders of faster cargo clearance, reduced demurrage, and improved ease of doing business, while maintaining a balance between trade facilitation and regulatory 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.
The visit builds on 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 the exercise, the scanner was tested for real-time synchronisation of scanned images with electronic cargo declarations.
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