By Stella Odueme
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL) have completed factory acceptance tests for newly acquired cargo inspection scanners and an Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) in China ahead of their deployment in Nigeria.
The two-week exercise, conducted from October 9 to 20, 2026, at the facility of Nuctech Company Limited in China, was aimed at verifying the equipment's technical specifications, operational capabilities and compliance with international standards.
According to a statement on Friday, the delegation was led by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Information Communication and Technology/Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin.
The equipment, comprising Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) scanners and the ECTS, is designed to improve cargo examination, strengthen real-time monitoring and enhance the tracking of goods 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, revenue generation and national security.
She explained that the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) was a critical quality assurance process to ensure that the equipment met contractual requirements and global operational standards before shipment to Nigeria.
According to her, the technology would accelerate cargo examination, reduce cargo dwell time, improve the detection of concealed and prohibited items and facilitate 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.
The Acting Comptroller of Non-Intrusive Inspection, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Umar Madugu, said the deployment of the scanners and tracking system would reduce reliance on 100 per cent physical examination of cargo and minimise human contact during inspection.
He added that the equipment would help curb cargo diversion and improve operational efficiency across Customs formations.
Also speaking, the General Manager of TMPL, Bamidele Chinedu, described the factory acceptance test as a significant milestone in the implementation of the Trade Modernisation Project.
He said integrating non-intrusive inspection scanners with electronic cargo tracking technology was central to building a transparent and technology-driven Customs administration.
Chinedu noted that the systems would strengthen cargo monitoring and support more efficient Customs operations.
The Project Manager of Nuctech Company Limited, Niu Chao, pledged the company's commitment to supplying high-quality equipment and providing technical support, personnel training and after-sales services.
The exercise also included training for technical personnel from the NCS and TMPL on the operation, handling and maintenance of the scanners and electronic tracking system.
The training is expected to prepare the personnel for the effective deployment, operation and long-term maintenance of the equipment in Nigeria.