Apapa Customs Command Sets Pace for Seamless Trade

…As Oshoba Speaks on Port’s High-Tech Cargo Scanners

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

In a bold commitment to drive port operations through cutting-edge cargo scanning systems, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is ushering in a new era of seamless trade and security. Comptroller Oluwadare Oshoba, Customs Area Controller (CAC), announced installation of three state-of-the-art scanners capable of inspecting up to 200 containers per hour, an unprecedented leap in operational efficiency.

Following an inspection of the scanner installation site, strategically located at the quayside of Apapa Port, Comptroller Oshoba described the development as an “operational masterstroke.”

Positioned close to the berthing area, the scanners will ensure that no consignment escapes high-tech, non-intrusive inspection, reinforcing Apapa’s status as Nigeria’s premier port destination, Oshoba said in a release signed by the Command Public Relations Officer, SC Tunde Ayagbalo.

“This is a great milestone about to happen,” Oshoba declared, urging stakeholders—importers, exporters, and agents—to embrace sincere declarations. “False declarations and concealments will be exposed by the technology,” he warned, emphasizing the scanners’ role in promoting transparency and accountability.

The scanners, produced by Nuctech in China, are the FS6000 model—high-throughput, drive-through X-ray systems that use dual-energy transmission to inspect cargo at speeds up to 15 km/h.

According to Aliyu Suleiman, Team Leader of the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP), the system delivers detailed images capable of detecting concealed contraband and hazardous materials. Its modular design also allows integration with License Plate Recognition (LPR) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems, enhancing overall port intelligence.

Comptroller Oshoba praised CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for his visionary leadership in steering the NCS modernization project. “The coming of these scanners is one of the many great fruits we shall be harvesting,” he said, expressing gratitude on behalf of officers and men of the Apapa Command.

To ensure uninterrupted cargo examination, TMP is delivering two scanners, while APM Terminals is contributing an additional unit. A mobile scanner has also been pledged to serve as backup in case of unexpected downtime. The installation is expected to be completed within 45 days.

Looking ahead, Oshoba called on officers to prepare for intensive “train-the-trainer” sessions and urged ICT personnel to build capacity for tier one and tier two maintenance—skills critical to sustaining the scanners, which are the first of their kind in West and Central Africa.

“All hands must be on deck to realize this dream that will save time, increase revenue, enhance national security, promote trade, and prevent port-related crimes from the earliest point of entry”, he said.