* After installation of 3 new scanners
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced the installation of scanners at the Apapa Port quayside, a development that will help the institution examine up to 200 containers per hour and enhance its trade facilitation.
Speaking after inspecting the location for the installation of three new scanners at the port on Monday, Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Oluwadare Oshoba, described the quayside as an operational masterstroke.
He said no consignment would escape high-tech, driven, non-intrusive inspection at Apapa port as the scanners would be strategically positioned close to the berthing area.
Oshoba cautioned port users, especially importers, exporters and agents, to uphold the tenet of sincere declaration as all false declarations and concealments would be exposed by the technology.
Oshoba said two of the scanners are expected from Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Limited, with an additional one from APM Terminals.
He said the three scanners would ensure there is no downtime for cargo examination at Apapa port.
The customs boss noted that in addition to the three fixed scanners that are being installed, APM Terminals management has promised to provide a mobile scanner to serve as support in the event of unexpected downtime.
He also advised NCS ICT officers to improve capacity building for tier one and tier two levels of scanner maintenance.
The CAC, who commended Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his relentless commitment to NCS modernisation, also urged officers to prepare for intensive train-the-trainer sessions as the next phase after installation would be training ahead of full deployment.
“All hands must be on deck to see to the full realisation of this dream, which would save time, increase revenue, enhance national security, promote trade and prevent port-related crimes from the earliest point of entry,” he said.
Speaking on the development, TMP Team Leader, Aliyu Suleiman, gave details on the scanners produced by Nuctech in China, describing them as the NUCTECH FS6000, a high-throughput, non-intrusive, as well as drive-through X-ray inspection system for cargo and vehicles.
He added that the scanners use high-penetration dual-energy X-ray transmission technology to inspect trucks and containers in one pass at speeds up to 15 km/h, allowing for non-stop inspection at busy locations like ports and border crossings.
According to him, the system provides detailed images that help identify concealed contraband and dangerous materials, adding that its compact and modular design allows for easy relocation and integration with other systems like License Plate Recognition (LPR) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).