Nigeria Customs, TMPL Test Advanced Cargo Scanners in China Ahead of Deployment
Written by: Queen Abayomi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL) have concluded a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for newly acquired Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) equipment and an Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) in China, ahead of their deployment to Nigeria.
The two-week exercise, which was conducted from 9 to 20 October 2026, took place at the facility of Nuctech Company Limited, the manufacturer of the advanced systems. The delegation comprised experts from the NCS and TMPL and was led by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) in charge of the Information Communication and Technology/Modernisation Department, Oluyomi Adebakin.
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The exercise involved comprehensive technical assessments of the scanners and the Electronic Cargo Tracking System, which are designed to complement each other in strengthening cargo inspection and enabling real-time monitoring of consignments from ports to their final destinations.
Speaking during the exercise, DCG Adebakin reiterated the commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to leveraging technology to improve trade facilitation, optimise revenue generation, and strengthen national security.
She explained that the Factory Acceptance Test serves as a critical quality-assurance measure to verify that the equipment complies with contractual specifications and international operational standards before being shipped to Nigeria.
“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,” DCG Adebakin said.
Also speaking, the Acting Comptroller of Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII), Deputy Comptroller of Customs Umar Madugu, stated that the deployment of the new scanners and ECTS would significantly reduce the reliance on 100 per cent physical examination of cargo.
He added that the systems would minimise human contact, prevent cargo diversion, and enhance operational efficiency across Customs formations.
Representing Trade Modernisation Project Limited, the company’s General Manager, Bamidele Chinedu, described the Factory Acceptance Test as a significant milestone in the implementation of the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP).
He emphasised that the integration of NII scanners with the Electronic Cargo Tracking System is central to establishing a transparent and technology-driven Customs administration.
In his remarks, Nuctech Company Limited’s Project Manager in China, Niu Chao, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing world-class equipment, technical support, capacity building, and after-sales services to support the successful implementation of the systems.
As part of the exercise, technical experts from both the Nigeria Customs Service and Trade Modernisation Project Limited also received training on the operation, handling, and maintenance of the scanners and the Electronic Cargo Tracking System.
The training is expected to strengthen local technical capacity, support seamless deployment, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the newly acquired systems in Nigeria.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper October 23rd, 2026
