Customs To Deploy High-Tech Scanners To Fast-Track Cargo Examination, Curb Diversion

Customs To Deploy High-Tech Scanners To Fast-Track Cargo Examination, Curb Diversion

By Prince Benson Davies

A high-powered delegation of experts from the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, and Trade Modernisation Project Limited, TMPL, has completed a Factory Acceptance Test, FAT, for the newly acquired Non-Intrusive Inspection, NII, equipment and Electronic Cargo Tracking System, ECTS, in China.

The two-week exercise, led by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Information Communication Technology and Modernisation, DCG Oluyomi Adebakin, took place from October 9 to 20, 2026, at Nuctech Company Limited’s facility in China, manufacturers of the advanced systems.

The delegation carried out comprehensive technical verification of the high-tech scanners and the Electronic Cargo Tracking System, designed to work in synergy to enhance cargo examination and real-time monitoring from port to final destination.

During the test, DCG Adebakin reaffirmed the commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to deploy technology as a catalyst for trade facilitation, revenue optimisation and national security. She said the FAT is a crucial quality-assurance process to ensure the scanners and tracking system meet contractual specifications and global operational standards before shipment to Nigeria.

“The Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of CGC Adeniyi, is committed to ensuring that we deploy only cutting-edge, fit-for-purpose technology that will fast-track cargo examination, reduce dwell time, enhance our ability to detect concealments and prohibited items, improve revenue generation, as well as facilitate legitimate trade,” Adebakin said.

For his part, the Acting Comptroller, Non-Intrusive Inspection, Deputy Comptroller Umar Madugu, noted that the deployment of the new scanners and ECTS will significantly reduce the need for 100 percent physical examination, minimise human contact, curb cargo diversion and improve efficiency across Customs formations.

Speaking on behalf of TMPL, the company’s General Manager, Bamidele Chinedu, described the FAT as a major milestone in the implementation of the Trade Modernisation Project, stressing that the integration of NII scanners and ECTS is central to achieving a transparent, technology-driven Customs system.

Also speaking, the Project Manager of Nuctech Company Limited, China, Niu Chao, expressed the company’s commitment to delivering world-class equipment, technical support, capacity building and after-sales services.

During the exercise, technical experts from both NCS and TMPL were also trained on how to handle, operate and maintain the scanners and the ECTS to ensure seamless deployment and sustainability in Nigeria.