The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is revolutionizing cargo clearance with a shift to technology-driven inspections.
Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi announced that physical examinations would be completely phased out by December 2026, focusing on scanning machines and data analytics.
This move is expected to significantly reduce congestion at ports, speed up clearance processes, and boost security.
Adeniyi made this announcement at the commissioning of the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Analytical Arena at Apapa Command, Lagos.
The facility houses an Analytics Centre, Customs Intelligence Unit, Clinic, and strategic offices, aiming to enhance intelligence-driven customs operations. The Analytics Centre will play a crucial role in analyzing data and identifying high-risk shipments, enabling targeted interventions.
The Comptroller-General emphasized that data analytics is key to reducing manual checks, citing Apapa data showing 21,373 consignments via Red channel (physical) vs 3,236 scanned (Orange).
The goal is to expand scanning across major ports, including Tin Can Island, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar, to achieve a significant reduction in physical examinations, Adeniyi said.
Traders are urged to declare cargo honestly and join the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) program for trusted status. Adeniyi stressed that higher compliance would minimize intrusive checks on legitimate trade, targeting only high-risk shipments. This approach will enhance enforcement accuracy without disrupting compliant flows.
Adeniyi showcased seized contraband worth ₦6 billion, including expired pharmaceuticals (e.g., Mixagrip, Chloroquine), unregistered drugs like Sildenafil, 800+ cartons of codeine hidden in cisterns, Artesunate injections, and restricted security gear without certificates. Other seized items include expired biscuits, energy drinks, tomato paste, 1,700 cartons of codeine in flasks, 1,575 more codeine cartons, and cannabis sativa.
Apapa Area Controller Emmanuel Oshoba praised the CGC’s vision, crediting Customs-PACT partnership for the facility. The project marks a new era in intelligence-driven customs ops and officer welfare. Oshoba expressed appreciation to stakeholders and partners, noting that their collaboration has been instrumental in turning the vision into reality.
The commissioning of the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Analytical Arena is a significant milestone in the NCS’s efforts to modernize and enhance its operations. The facility is designed to support the Service’s strategic objectives, including improving trade facilitation, enhancing security, and increasing revenue collection.
