FAT in China, Conferences In Abuja, NCS Positions For Global Trade Demands

As National Security, Revenue Optimization and Trade Facilitation are Prioritized

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, and the Trade Modernization Project Limited, TMPL,  have returned to Nigeria after completing a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for its newly acquired Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) equipment and Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) in China.

 

The China delegation led by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) in charge of Information Communication and Technology/Modernization Department, Oluyomi Adebakin, took place at Nuctech Company Limited’s facility in China, 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.

We gathered that the delegation conducted comprehensive technical verification of the high-tech scanners and the Electronic Cargo Tracking System, both designed to work in synergy to enhance cargo examination and real-time monitoring from port to destination.

According to DCG Adebakin, “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.

Acting Comptroller, Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII), Deputy Comptroller of Customs Umar Madugu, stated that by deploying the new scanners and ECTS will significantly reduce the need for 100% physical examination, minimize human contact, curb cargo diversion, and improve efficiency across Customs formations.

General Manager, TMP, Bamidele Chinedu,   expressed the view that FAT shall be a milestone in implementing the TMP. He stressed that integrating NII scanners and the Electronic Cargo Tracking System is central to achieving a transparent, technology-driven Customs system in Nigeria.

With Niu Chao, Project Manager, Nuctech Company Limited, China, expressing the company’s commitment and readiness to delivering world-class equipment, technical support, capacity building, and after-sales services, the NCS seems set for a new era of Customs operations which is IT driven and technologically powered.

What is very critical and essential is the  training and retraining of officers who will handle  the machines and regular  maintenance. Unlike in the past when ships and scanners were procured and left to rot, this administration knows better to avoid similar occurrence under this dispensation.

The 2026 CGC Conference/C-PACT

From 7-11 of October 2026, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) and the Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) Conferences shall take place in Abuja.

The CGC’s Conference with the theme “Securing Borders, Enabling Trade: A Customs Commitment to Safer Communities,” provides a platform to review the Service’s modernization efforts, assess progress against previous commitments, and reinforce the relationship between effective Customs administration, national security, and trade facilitation.

The C-PACT 2026, with the theme “One Border, Interconnected Systems: Advancing Customs Cooperation through One-Stop Border Posts”. It shall take discussions to the continental level, focusing on practical approaches to coordinated border management and digital connectivity across Africa.

The CGC’s Conference is intended as a platform to review the Service’s modernization efforts, assess progress against previous commitments, and reinforce the relationship between effective Customs administration, national security, and trade facilitation.

CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management members, reiterate commitment to strengthening collaboration with national institutions, regional partners and international stakeholders to secure borders, facilitate legitimate trade and support Africa’s economic integration.

The outcomes of both conferences are expected to improve Customs operations, strengthen regional cooperation, and advance AfCFTA’s objectives of building a more integrated, competitive, and prosperous Africa.

Stakeholders are hopeful and watchful for outcomes from both conferences for national economy improvements to further develop maritime businesses in Nigeria.