Nigeria Customs, TMPL Test Advanced Cargo Scanners in China Ahead of Deployment
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL) have completed factory acceptance tests for newly acquired cargo scanners and an Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) in China ahead of their deployment to Nigeria.
The two-week exercise, conducted from October 9 to 20, 2026, at the facility of Nuctech Company Limited in China, was designed to verify the quality, technical specifications and operational readiness of the equipment before shipment to Nigeria.
The delegation was led by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Information Communication Technology and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, and comprised technical experts from the NCS and TMPL.
The newly acquired Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) scanners and ECTS are expected to work together to strengthen cargo examination, improve real-time tracking of goods and enhance monitoring from ports to their final destinations.
Speaking during the exercise, Adebakin reaffirmed the commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to deploying technology to improve trade facilitation, optimise revenue collection and strengthen national security.
She described the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) as a critical quality-assurance measure to ensure that the equipment meets contractual requirements and internationally recognised operational standards before delivery.
According to her, the Customs Service is determined to deploy modern and efficient technology capable of accelerating cargo examination, reducing cargo dwell time, detecting concealed and prohibited items, and boosting revenue generation while facilitating legitimate trade.
“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 tracking system would reduce reliance on 100 per cent physical examination of cargo.
He explained that the technology would minimise human contact during cargo inspection, discourage cargo diversion and improve operational efficiency across Customs formations.
Representing TMPL, the company’s General Manager, Bamidele Chinedu, described the exercise as a significant milestone in the implementation of the Trade Modernisation Project.
Chinedu said integrating non-intrusive inspection scanners with the Electronic Cargo Tracking System was central to establishing a transparent and technology-driven Customs administration.
Meanwhile, Nuctech Company Limited’s Project Manager, Niu Chao, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supplying world-class equipment and providing technical support, capacity building and after-sales services.
The exercise also featured training for technical personnel from the NCS and TMPL on the operation, handling and maintenance of the equipment.
The training is expected to equip Nigerian personnel with the necessary technical expertise to ensure the smooth deployment, effective operation and long-term sustainability of the systems.
