Nigeria Customs Service intensifies preparations for the operational deployment of the FS6000 cargo scanning machine at APM Terminals, Apapa, to boost trade facilitation and efficiency
Nigeria Customs Set for Operational Launch of FS6000 Cargo Scanner at Apapa
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified preparations for the operational deployment of its newly installed FS6000 cargo scanning machine at APM Terminals, Apapa, as part of its broader drive toward paperless operations, trade facilitation and enhanced port efficiency.
This followed a working visit on Monday, December 22, 2025, by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT, DCG Oluyomi Adebakin, to assess readiness ahead of full-scale deployment.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Isah Sulaiman, the visit formed part of final pre-deployment arrangements, following the successful completion of test runs and simulation exercises on the scanning system at the terminal.
Speaking during the inspection, DCG Adebakin explained that the visit was aimed at ensuring a seamless transition to full scanning operations, in line with global standards.
“The reason for this visit is the pre-arrangement and preparation for the take-up of the FS6000 scanning machine at the jetty side of APM Terminals, so that we can have a seamless transition to a scanning system which aligns with international best practices,” she said.
The Deputy Comptroller-General noted that readiness for deployment remains a tripartite responsibility involving the Nigeria Customs Service, APM Terminals, and Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Limited, the Service’s technology partner.
“From what we have seen, we can say that we are about 80 per cent ready. The remaining 20 per cent is critical, and I am confident it will be addressed before commissioning. From the scanning examination and system analysis carried out so far, the system is good to go, and between now and commissioning, we will achieve full operational readiness,” she added.
DCG Adebakin highlighted the significant benefits the FS6000 scanner would bring to port users and government agencies, including faster cargo clearance, reduced physical examination, lower demurrage costs and improved compliance enforcement.
“This is a non-intrusive inspection system that conforms with international best practices. It will benefit importers, consignees, terminal operators and the Service. The scanner has a throughput capacity of about 200 containers per hour,” she said.
The deployment of the FS6000 scanner is expected to strengthen Customs’ balance between trade facilitation and regulatory compliance, while reducing human interface in cargo examination processes.
Recall that on November 6, 2025, a final simulation exercise was conducted at APM Terminals under the supervision of the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, during which the scanner was successfully tested for real-time synchronisation with electronic cargo declarations. The operational launch of the scanner marks another milestone in the Nigeria Customs Service’s ongoing digital transformation and port modernisation agenda. Read More
