The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) don move closer to ending physical cargo examination for Apapa Port, as preparations don reach advanced stage for the full deployment of the FS6000 cargo scanner at APM Terminals, Lagos.
The development go bring major change to cargo clearance operations for Apapa Port, wey be the busiest maritime gateway for the country.
According to Customs, the FS6000 scanner don complete all final test runs and simulation exercises, confirming say the equipment don ready for full operation and transition to non-intrusive, technology-driven inspection.
Customs ICT Boss Inspect Scanner Site
The progress follow a working visit by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Oluyomi Adebakin, to inspect the scanning site and assess readiness ahead of deployment.
Public Relations Officer of the Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, say the initiative form part of Customs wider plan to move towards paperless cargo clearance, in line with international best practices and improved trade facilitation.
He confirm say the FS6000 scanner don pass all required simulations, marking a major milestone in Customs efforts to reduce manual intervention during cargo processing at Apapa Port.
Scanner Deployment Reach 80% Readiness
Speaking during the inspection, Adebakin say the visit aim to ensure smooth transition from physical checks to scanner-based examination. She describe the deployment as critical step towards modernising Customs operations and boosting efficiency at the port.
She disclose say operational readiness don reach about 80 per cent, adding say Customs dey address remaining components needed for full take-off.
According to her, the scanner deployment na joint responsibility between the Nigeria Customs Service, APM Terminals and the Trade Modernisation Project.
Faster Clearance, Less Delay for Port Users
Adebakin assure port users say the scanner go bring real business benefits, including faster cargo clearance, reduced demurrage, improved compliance and better ease of doing business across Apapa Port.
“The FS6000 scanner get capacity to process about 200 containers per hour, which make am suitable for high-volume port operations,” she say.
She add say non-intrusive inspection go help eliminate delays, reduce cargo damage and also strengthen revenue protection for government.
Customs Reaffirm Commitment to ICT Reforms
Area Controller for Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, reaffirm Customs commitment to ICT-driven reforms and continuous collaboration with stakeholders.
He say the scanner deployment clearly show Customs determination to modernise port operations, strengthen trade facilitation and improve transparency at Apapa Port.
