Compt. Oshoba Urges Stakeholders to Prepare for Enhanced Trade Efficiency
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Oluwadare Oshoba, has called on port users and stakeholders to gear up for a smoother trade process, as the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) continues to advance its modernisation efforts. This comes as the installation of fixed scanners at the port gets underway.
After inspecting the site designated for the installation of three high-tech scanners, Comptroller Oshoba expressed optimism that the Apapa Port Command will exceed expectations, noting that each scanner is capable of inspecting up to 200 containers per hour.
He described the location of the scanners—close to the quay—as a strategic decision, ensuring that all consignments undergo thorough, non-intrusive, technology-driven inspections. No cargo, he emphasized, will bypass scrutiny.
The CAC praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his unwavering dedication to the NCS modernisation project. He also encouraged officers to prepare for intensive “train-the-trainer” sessions, which will follow the installation phase, as part of readiness for full deployment.
Oshoba advised ICT personnel within the service to focus on capacity building, particularly for first and second-tier maintenance of the new scanners—an unprecedented development in both West and Central Africa.
Highlighting the significance of this initiative, he urged importers, exporters, and clearing agents to embrace honest declarations, as the scanners will easily detect any false claims or concealment.
Expressing appreciation to the CGC, Oshoba remarked:
“On behalf of our officers and men, I thank the CGC for steering us into a new era of revolutionary customs modernisation. These scanners are just one of many benefits we are beginning to enjoy from this project.”
He revealed that the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) has committed to completing the scanner installation within 45 days. Two scanners will be supplied by TMP, and an additional one by APM Terminals, ensuring uninterrupted cargo inspection and reinforcing Apapa Port’s status as Nigeria’s leading port.
“All stakeholders must play their part in realising this goal, which will save time, boost revenue, enhance national security, promote trade, and reduce port-related crimes right from the point of entry,” Oshoba added.
Meanwhile, Aliyu Suleiman, TMP Site Team Leader, shared technical insights into the scanners, manufactured by Nuctech in China. He said the NUCTECH FS6000 models feature high-throughput, drive-through X-ray technology, enabling non-intrusive inspections at speeds up to 15 km/h.
Suleiman noted the scanners provide detailed imaging capable of detecting hidden contraband and hazardous items. The systems are also designed for flexibility, allowing integration with tools such as License Plate Recognition (LPR) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).
To further bolster operations, APM Terminals has pledged to provide a mobile scanner as backup in case of any unexpected downtime.
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