Trade Modernisation Plans Deployment Of 22 New Cargo Scanners By Q3

The Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Limited has announced that 22 additional cargo scanners will arrive in Nigeria before the end of the third quarter of 2026, to strengthen cargo inspection and trade facilitation at the nation’s ports.

TMP is the concessionaire to the federal government on the implementation of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Modernisation Project.

In 2025, the company deployed six AI-enabled scanners to speed up cargo examination and reduce physical inspections at seaports.

The FS6000 scanners can scan 200 containers per hour, while mobile scanners scan over 120 containers per hour.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP during a tour of TMP facilities at Lagos seaports and airports, the Team Lead, Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII), Sulaiman Aliyu, said the new scanners would enhance efficiency and security.

According to him, the scanners will be integrated with B’Odogwu, the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) launched by the NCS in late 2024 to automate and streamline import and export clearance processes.

Aliyu said the sophistication of the scanners makes it almost impossible for contraband to exit the ports undetected.

“These scanners are world-class. For instance, the FS6000 scanners at the seaport can scan 200 containers per hour, while mobile scanners can scan over 120 containers in the same time frame. Two scanners are already deployed at Apapa Port, while 22 additional scanners are expected before the end of the third quarter of 2026,” he said.

He added that the scanners have made Customs officers’ work more seamless and improved trade facilitation, as cargoes are scanned and released to clearing agents in real time.

“Only cargoes flagged as suspicious are subjected to physical examination,” Aliyu noted.

Also speaking, the deputy comptroller, Revenue, Apapa Command of the NCS, DC Miko Ibrahim, said the TMP intervention has helped transform the service and improve public perception.

According to him, under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the service is leveraging technology to address longstanding misconceptions.

“The software introduced by TMP is very interactive and user-friendly. Even without prior technical knowledge, officers can operate the system effectively. We are also expecting additional packages that will further strengthen operations and facilitate legitimate trade,” he said.

Ibrahim said technology has accelerated Customs’ reform journey, reducing what would have taken decades to achieve.

“What was supposed to take 20 years, we are achieving in five. People often accuse Customs wrongly because they do not understand the process. Technology is helping us change that narrative,” he stated.

He disclosed that the service is also deploying Advanced Passenger Information (API) to enhance risk profiling and reduce unnecessary interference.

“Before passengers arrive, we can analyse their information and single out only those of interest without disrupting the system. Our goal is a contactless service,” he added.

The deputy comptroller said Customs is working toward a system that allows importers and clearing agents to process consignments remotely.

“Our vision is that you can apply for PAAR, complete documentation, and clear your cargo from your home without coming to the port. Compliant traders are being encouraged to join the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) scheme, where cargoes are released seamlessly,” he said.

He added that with the deployment of scanners, containers are scanned immediately upon arrival at the vessel berth, and any suspicious cargo is flagged automatically.

“If we achieve 70 to 80 per cent compliance, many operations will become remote. That is the future we are working towards,” Ibrahim said.