By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is nearing the completion of preparations for the operational launch of its newly installed FS6000 scanning machine at APM Terminals, Apapa ,Lagos. The Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT, DCG Oluyomi Adebakin, on Monday conducted a working visit to the scanning site to ensure a smooth transition to full scanning operations.
According to DCG Adebakin, the visit was aimed at ensuring adequate pre-arrangement and preparedness for the take-up of the FX6000 scanning machine, aligning with international best practices. The scanner is expected to enhance paperless cargo clearance, trade facilitation, and operational efficiency.
The NCS, APM Terminals, and the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) are working together to ensure a seamless transition to the scanning system. DCG Adebakin disclosed that the level of readiness currently stands at about 80 percent, with the remaining critical components to be addressed before commissioning.
The scanner is expected to bring numerous benefits to stakeholders, including faster cargo clearance, reduced demurrage, ease of doing business, and a balanced approach between trade facilitation and compliance. The scanner has a throughput capacity of about 200 containers per hour and will eliminate the need for manual cargo examination,DCG Adebakin said.
The Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has reiterated the Command’s commitment to supporting the Service’s ICT-driven reforms and working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to full scanner-based cargo examination at Apapa Port.
Oshoba explained that the final simulation exercise conducted on November 6, 2025, successfully tested the scanners for real-time synchronisation of scanned images with electronic declarations. The NCS is pushing for a seamless transition to the scanning system, which is expected to be commissioned soon.
Newspoint247 reports that the scanner deployment is part of the NCS’s efforts to enhance trade facilitation and operational efficiency, aligning with international best practices.
This is contained in a statement signed by CSC Isah Sulaiman,Public Relations Officer of the Command on 23 December 2025.
