By Femi Anamelechi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command in full readiness for a seamless automated Scanning Operations at the Nation’s premium gateway Port has completed the final test run of its newly installed scanning systems at APM Terminals, the training is a major step toward achieving a fully paperless cargo clearance. The exercise was led by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, on Thursday, 6 November 2025. The development marked a major phase towards the full installation of scanners to activate digital transformation and trade facilitation at the Port. The Comptroller pointed out that that the new technology automatically synchronises scanned images with electronic declarations in real time and eliminates physical documentation while shortening cargo clearance timelines.“We are now at the stage of 100 percent readiness. Once containers are scanned, the system automatically matches the images with the declarations”, CAC Oshoba said.He further discussion that with the new technology:“There will be no need for physical paperwork. The analysis will be instant, and only consignments with discrepancies will require further checks.” Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba stated that each scanner has a capacity of processing up to 200 containers per hour, with scanned images transmitted directly to Customs headquarters in Abuja for monitoring and audit.
According to him the seamless process is aimed at enhancing transparency, strengthen compliance and minimise the potential for clearance manipulation. Members of the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP), the Scanner Manager, Deputy Controller Umar Madugu and Stakeholder Engagement Lead, Bamidele Jinedu, pointed out resistance from some operators who claimed that the new technology could pose initial challenges. They however agreed that the transition to a fully digital clearance system would ensure accurate declarations, promote national security, and reduce the possibility of delays being attributed to Customs.Apapa Area command will officially announce the date for commissioning of the scanners after submitting final reports to the management.
