The Apapa Customs Command says it plans to scan up to 200 containers per hour as the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) begins the installation of fixed scanners at the port.
Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Oluwadare Oshoba, said three scanners are being positioned at the quayside to allow for non-intrusive checks close to the berthing area. He noted that the technology would reduce delays in cargo examination and improve efficiency in trade facilitation.
Oshoba said the installation, expected to take 45 days, involves two scanners provided under the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) and one additional unit from APM Terminals. A mobile scanner will also be made available to serve as backup in case of equipment downtime.
According to him, officers will undergo training once installation is completed, while ICT staff will be required to build capacity for the maintenance of the new machines. He urged importers, exporters and their agents to ensure accurate declarations, warning that concealments and false documentation would be detected by the scanners.
Aliyu Suleiman, TMP team leader at the site, said the equipment, the Nuctech FS6000, uses dual-energy X-ray transmission technology to inspect containers and trucks in one pass at speeds of up to 15 kilometres per hour. He explained that the system produces high-resolution images to detect contraband and hazardous materials, and can be integrated with other tools such as licence plate recognition and RFID systems.
The NCS said the deployment of the scanners will help speed up cargo clearance, increase revenue collection, improve security and reduce the risk of smuggling through the Apapa port.
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