Experts from the Nigeria Customs Service and Trade Modernisation Project Limited have successfully wrapped up a Factory Acceptance Test in China for newly purchased Non-Intrusive Inspection equipment and an Electronic Cargo Tracking System.
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, took place from 9 to 20 October 2026 at Nuctech Company Limited’s facility in China, the manufacturer of the advanced systems. The delegation conducted comprehensive technical verification of the high-tech scanners and the Electronic Cargo Tracking System, designed to work in synergy to enhance cargo examination and real-time monitoring from port to destination.
During the test, DCG Adebakin reaffirmed Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi’s commitment to using technology as a catalyst for trade facilitation, revenue optimisation, and national security. She said the FAT is a crucial quality-assurance process to ensure 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 dwell time, and enhance our ability to detect concealments and prohibited items, improve revenue generation, as well as facilitate legitimate trade”, CG Adebakin said.
For his part, the Acting Comptroller, Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII), Deputy Comptroller of Customs Umar Madugu, noted that deploying the new scanners and ECTS will significantly reduce the need for 100% physical examination, minimise human contact, curb cargo diversion, and improve efficiency across Customs formations.
Speaking on behalf of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, the company’s General Manager, Bamidele Chinedu, described the FAT as a milestone in implementing the TMP, stressing that integrating NII scanners and the Electronic Cargo Tracking System is central to achieving a transparent, technology-driven Customs system.
Also speaking, Niu Chao, Project Manager, Nuctech Company Limited, China, expressed the company’s commitment 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.
What You Should Know
The Nigeria Customs Service has tested advanced cargo scanners and tracking systems in China to upgrade how goods are inspected at ports. This technology aims to make clearing goods faster and reduce manual physical checks.
- Positive Impact: Faster cargo clearance times, reduced human contact which cuts down bureaucratic delays, and better detection of prohibited items to protect national security.
- Potential Concerns: Implementation challenges and potential initial adjustments for clearing agents and importers as the new automated systems take full effect.
