Apapa Customs targets 200 containers’ scanning per hour

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced plans to start the scanning of 200 containers per hour. Towards this end, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Oluwadare Oshoba, urged port users and stakeholders to brace up for a more seamless trade process following the modernisation initiative of the Nigerian […]

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced plans to start the scanning of 200 containers per hour.

Towards this end, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Oluwadare Oshoba, urged port users and stakeholders to brace up for a more seamless trade process following the modernisation initiative of the Nigerian Customs Service with the commencement of fixed scanners installation.

Speaking shortly after inspecting the location for the installation of three new scanners at the port, Comptroller Oshoba said Apapa Port Command is ready to surpass expectations as the scanners would be examining 200 containers per hour.

While describing the quayside location for the scanners as an operational masterstroke, the CAC said no consignment will escape high-tech driven, non-intrusive inspection at Apapa port as the scanners would be strategically positioned close to the berthing area.

The CAC who commended CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for his 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

“Our partners, the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP), have assured us that the installation would last for 45 days, and we are expecting two units of scanners from them with an additional one from APM Terminals. These three scanners would ensure that there is no downtime for cargo examination here and reinforce our position as the number one destination for port activities in Nigeria.

 

 

 

“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,” The CAC said.

 

 

 

Also speaking on the development, Aliyu Suleiman, TMP Team Leader at the site, gave details on the scanners produced by Nuctech in Chin. He described them as the NUCTECH FS6000 with a high-throughput, non-intrusive, 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 the expert, the system provides detailed images that help identify concealed contraband and dangerous materials, and its compact, modular design allows for easy relocation and integration with other systems like License Plate Recognition (LPR) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).

 

 

 

In addition to the three fixed scanners being installed, APM Terminals has also promised to provide a mobile scanner to serve as support in the event of unexpected downtime.