The Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Oluwadare Oshoba, has urged port stakeholders to brace up for more efficient trade processes as the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) commences installation of fixed scanners under its modernisation project.
Oshoba, who inspected the quayside site for the scanners, said the new equipment would examine up to 200 containers per hour, describing the location as an “operational masterstroke” that would ensure no consignment escapes non-intrusive inspection.
He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for driving the modernisation initiative and disclosed that the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) would deliver two scanners, while APM Terminals is providing one additional unit, alongside a mobile scanner for backup. Installation is expected to be completed within 45 days.
“This milestone will save time, increase revenue, enhance national security, promote trade, and prevent port-related crimes,” Oshoba said, urging importers and agents to embrace sincere declarations as concealments and false claims would be exposed by the technology.
TMP Team Leader, Aliyu Suleiman, explained that the scanners—Nuctech FS6000 models—are high-throughput drive-through X-ray systems capable of inspecting trucks and containers in one pass at speeds of up to 15 km/h. They also feature modular designs for easy relocation and integration with License Plate Recognition (LPR) and RFID systems.
With this development, Apapa Port is set to reinforce its position as Nigeria’s leading trade gateway.
Leave a Reply