The Nigeria Customs Service is set to bring physical cargo examination at Apapa Port to an end as preparations intensify for the deployment of the FS6000 cargo scanner at APM Terminals, Lagos.

The development followed a working visit by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Information and Communications Technology, Oluyomi Adebakin, to the scanning site at Apapa Port.

The command’s spokesperson, Isah Sulaiman, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday.

Sulaiman said the move was part of ongoing efforts by the service to transition to a paperless and non-intrusive cargo clearance system in line with international best practices and improved trade facilitation.

He disclosed that the FS6000 cargo scanner had successfully completed its final test runs and simulation exercises, indicating readiness for full deployment at the terminal.

Speaking during the inspection, Adebakin said the visit was aimed at assessing pre-operational readiness and ensuring a smooth transition to scanner-based cargo examination at the port.

She described the deployment as “a critical step in modernising customs operations and improving efficiency at the nation’s busiest port”.

Adebakin disclosed that the level of preparedness for the scanner deployment was at about 80 per cent.

She added that the outstanding components required for full take-off were currently being addressed.

According to her, the readiness of the scanner is a shared responsibility involving the Nigeria Customs Service, APM Terminals and the Trade Modernisation Project.

She assured port users that the deployment would result in faster cargo clearance, reduced demurrage, improved ease of doing business and better compliance.

“The FS6000 scanner has a throughput capacity of about 200 containers per hour,” Adebakin said, adding that the equipment was well suited for high-volume port operations.

She explained that the non-intrusive inspection system would eliminate delays and cargo damage associated with physical examination while also safeguarding government revenue.

The Apapa Area Controller, Emmanuel Oshoba, reaffirmed the commitment of the command to supporting ICT-driven reforms and sustained collaboration with stakeholders.

Oshoba said the deployment of the scanner demonstrated the resolve of the Nigeria Customs Service to modernise port operations, strengthen trade facilitation and enhance transparency at Apapa Port.