By Peace Udugba
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL) have completed a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for newly acquired Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) equipment and an Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) in China ahead of their deployment in Nigeria.
The two-week exercise, which took place from October 9 to 20, 2026, was conducted at the facility of Nuctech Company Limited, the manufacturer of the advanced systems.
The delegation was led by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of the Information Communication and Technology/Modernisation Department, Oluyomi Adebakin. It comprised technical experts from the Nigeria Customs Service and TMPL, who conducted comprehensive assessments to verify that the equipment met contractual specifications and international operational standards.
The scanners and electronic tracking system are designed to work together to improve cargo inspection, strengthen real-time monitoring and enhance the tracking of goods from ports to their final destinations.
Speaking during the exercise, Adebakin reaffirmed Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi’s commitment to deploying technology to facilitate legitimate trade, optimise revenue collection and strengthen national security.
She described the Factory Acceptance Test as a critical quality-assurance process to ensure that the equipment meets the required standards before shipment to Nigeria.
According to her, the initiative is expected to accelerate cargo examination, reduce cargo dwell time, improve the detection of concealed and prohibited items, and strengthen revenue generation.
Adebakin said the Customs Service remained committed to deploying advanced and fit-for-purpose technology to improve operational efficiency and support legitimate commercial activities.
Also speaking, the Acting Comptroller of Non-Intrusive Inspection, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Umar Madugu, said the deployment of the scanners and ECTS would reduce reliance on 100 per cent physical examination of cargo.
He added that the technology would minimise human contact during inspections, curb cargo diversion and improve efficiency across Customs formations.
Representing Trade Modernisation Project Limited, the company’s General Manager, Bamidele Chinedu, described the exercise as a significant milestone in the implementation of the Trade Modernisation Project.
Chinedu stressed that integrating non-intrusive inspection scanners with the Electronic Cargo Tracking System was central to building a transparent, efficient and technology-driven Customs administration.
In his remarks, Niu Chao, Project Manager at Nuctech Company Limited, China, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing world-class equipment, technical support, capacity building and after-sales services.
The exercise also included training for technical personnel from the Nigeria Customs Service and TMPL on the operation, handling and maintenance of the equipment.
The training is expected to support effective deployment, ensure operational sustainability and strengthen local capacity to manage the systems after their arrival in Nigeria.
