BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has conducted comprehensive technical verification of the newly acquired Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) equipment and Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS), designed to enhance cargo examination and real-time monitoring from port to destination.
This was actualised when a high-powered delegation of experts from the NCS and Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL) completed the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the high-tech equipment in China.
The two-week exercise, led by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) in charge of the Information Communication and Technology/Modernisation Department, Oluyomi Adebakin, was held at Nuctech Company Limited's facility in China, the manufacturer of the advanced systems.
During the test, DCG Adebakin reaffirmed the NCS's commitment to using technology as a catalyst for trade facilitation, revenue optimisation, and national security.
She said that the FAT is a crucial quality-assurance process that ensures the scanners and tracking system meet contractual specifications and global operational standards before shipment 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 time, and enhance our ability to detect concealments and prohibited items, improve revenue generation, as well as facilitate legitimate trade”, CG Adebakin said.
Acting Comptroller, Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII), Deputy Comptroller of Customs Umar Madugu said that deploying the new scanners and ECTS will significantly reduce the need for 100 percent physical examination, minimise human contact, curb cargo diversion, and improve efficiency across Customs formations.
The General Manager of Trade Modernisation Project Limited Bamidele Chinedu described the FAT as a milestone in implementing the TMP, adding that integrating NII scanners and the Electronic Cargo Tracking System is central to achieving a transparent and technology-driven Customs system.
Also, the Project Manager of Nuctech Company Limited, China, Niu Chao said that the company is committed to delivering world-class equipment, technical support, capacity building, and after-sales services.
During the exercise, technical experts from both NCS and TMPL were also trained to handle, operate, and maintain the scanners and the ECTS to ensure seamless deployment and sustainability in Nigeria.
Committed to tackling financial crimes, the NCS has inaugurated the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Mentoring Mission in Abuja.
The mission, themed “Strengthening Nigeria Customs Service Capabilities to Effectively Detect and Disrupt Illicit Financial Flows,” aims to enhance the Service’s capacity to combat cross-border financial crimes.
Funded by the United States Department of State, the four-week mission will include visits to selected Customs formations in Lagos and key allied agencies, as well as capacity-building training for officers in Lagos and Abuja.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts in combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism, recalling the reforms undertaken by the government agencies that led to Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in 2025.
He harped on the need for sustained collaboration among relevant agencies, adding that progress in one institution must be matched by improvements in others, expressing confidence in the officers’ commitment to the exercise.
“Competent officers who have passion for the job will give you all the cooperation to ensure we learn from other Customs administrations regarding what we are doing and how we can do better,” he said.
The Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Strategic Research and Policy (S&RP), Nafiu Isiaku, introduced the WCO delegation comprising Jorge Lasmar, Lisa Vallese and Laurent Szymkowiak.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Lasmar appreciated the NCS and the CGC for their guidance and cooperation, promising that the team would submit a comprehensive report at the end of the mission.
“The mission is not an assessment of Customs operations, but an engagement aimed at further strengthening the capacity of the Nigeria Customs Service,” he said.
The engagement is expected to support the Service’s efforts to strengthen its capacity to detect and disrupt illicit financial flows through improved expertise and collaboration with relevant agencies.
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