The Nigeria Customs Service is close to ending physical examination of cargo at Apapa Port as it prepares to deploy the FS6000 cargo scanner at APM Terminals, Lagos.

This followed a working visit by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT, Oluyomi Adebakin, to the scanner site at the port to assess its readiness.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman.

According to Sulaiman, the move is part of Customs’ plan to adopt a paperless and non-intrusive cargo clearance system in line with global best practices and improved trade facilitation.

He said the FS6000 scanner has completed final test runs and simulation exercises, indicating that it is ready for full deployment at the terminal.

During the inspection, Adebakin explained that the visit was aimed at confirming the level of preparedness and ensuring a smooth transition from physical cargo checks to scanner-based examination.

She described the deployment as a key step in modernising Customs operations and improving efficiency at the country’s busiest port. Adebakin added that overall readiness was about 80 per cent, with remaining requirements already being addressed.

She noted that the success of the scanner project depends on collaboration between Customs, APM Terminals and the Trade Modernisation Project.

Adebakin assured port users that the scanner would lead to faster cargo clearance, reduced demurrage, easier business processes and better compliance. She added that the FS6000 scanner can process about 200 containers per hour, making it suitable for high-volume port operations.

She also said that non-intrusive inspection would reduce delays and prevent cargo damage often associated with physical examination, while helping Customs protect government revenue.

The Area Controller of Apapa Port, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, reaffirmed the command’s support for ICT-driven reforms and strong collaboration with stakeholders.

Oshoba said the deployment of the scanner reflects Customs’ commitment to modernising port operations, improving transparency and strengthening trade facilitation at Apapa Port.