The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL) have completed factory acceptance tests for newly acquired cargo inspection scanners and an Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) in China ahead of their deployment in Nigeria.
The two-week exercise, which took place recently at the facility of Nuctech Company Limited, the equipment manufacturer, involved technical verification of the Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) equipment and the electronic tracking system.
The systems are designed to work together to improve cargo examination, enhance real-time monitoring of consignments from ports to their destinations, and strengthen Customs operations.
The delegation was led by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of the Information Communication and Technology/Modernisation Department, Oluyomi Adebakin.
Speaking during the exercise, Adebakin reaffirmed the commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to leveraging technology to facilitate legitimate trade, optimise revenue collection and strengthen national security.
She described the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) as a critical quality assurance process to ensure that the equipment meets contractual specifications and international operational standards before shipment to Nigeria.
According to her, the deployment of advanced inspection technology will accelerate cargo examination, reduce cargo dwell time, improve the detection of concealed and prohibited items, and enhance revenue generation.
“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, and enhance our ability to detect concealments and prohibited items, improve revenue generation, as well as facilitate legitimate trade,” Adebakin said.
Also speaking, the Acting Comptroller of Non-Intrusive Inspection, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Umar Madugu, said the new scanners and electronic tracking system would reduce reliance on physical cargo examination and minimise human contact during inspection.
He added that the technology would help curb cargo diversion and improve operational efficiency across Customs formations.
Madugu said the integration of the systems would strengthen cargo monitoring while enabling Customs officers to deploy inspection resources more effectively.
On its part, TMPL described the successful completion of the factory acceptance tests as a significant milestone in the implementation of the Trade Modernisation Project.
The company’s General Manager, Bamidele Chinedu, said integrating non-intrusive inspection scanners with the Electronic Cargo Tracking System was central to building a transparent, efficient and technology-driven Customs administration.
He noted that the complementary systems would support improved cargo monitoring and examination processes.
Niu Chao, Project Manager at Nuctech Company Limited, expressed the company’s commitment to delivering world-class equipment, alongside technical support, capacity building and after-sales services.
The factory acceptance tests also featured training for technical experts from the NCS and TMPL on the operation, handling and maintenance of the scanners and electronic tracking system.
The training is expected to prepare Nigerian personnel for the equipment’s deployment, operation and long-term sustainability.
The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to modernise Customs operations through technology, with a focus on improving trade facilitation, strengthening border security and enhancing revenue collection.
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