Business
Customs About To Adopt Full Scanning Operations At Apapa Port
recently completed final test runs and simulation exercises
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified preparations for the operational launch of its newly installed FS6000 scanning machine at APM Terminals, Apapa, following a working visit by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT, Oluyomi Adebakin, on Monday, 22 December 2025.
According to a press release issued on Tuesday, 23, December 2025 by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Isah Sulaiman, 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 the Service’ drive toward paperless cargo clearance, trade facilitation and operational efficiency.
Speaking during the inspection, DCG Adebakin explained that the visit aimed to ensure adequate pre-arrangements for a smooth transition to full scanning operations, in line with international best practices.
“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.
On the readiness of the Service to deploy scanning and ICT solutions, the DCG emphasised that preparedness is a tripartite responsibility involving the Nigeria Customs Service, APM Terminals and the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Limited.
“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”, she noted.
Highlighting the benefits for stakeholders, she assured that the FS6000 scanner would enable faster cargo clearance, reduce demurrage, and strike a balanced approach between trade facilitation and compliance.
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,” DCG Adebakin said.
Recall that on 6 November 2025, a final simulation exercise was conducted under the supervision of the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, where the scanners were successfully tested for real-time synchronisation with electronic declarations.
