By Felix Iwebunor
A delegation of experts from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL) has completed a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the newly acquired Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) equipment and Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) in China.
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.
Led by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of the Information and Communication Technology/Modernisation Department, Oluyomi Adebakin, the two-week exercise took place at Nuctech Company Limited, which manufactured the systems.
The delegation conducted comprehensive technical verification of the high-tech scanners and the ECTS, designed to work in synergy to enhance cargo examination and real-time monitoring from port to destination.
Adebakin reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to using technology as a catalyst for trade facilitation, revenue optimisation, and national security.
She described FAT as a crucial quality-assurance process to ensure that the scanners and tracking system meet contractual specifications and global operational standards before shipment to Nigeria.
According to her, the agency is committed to ensuring the deployment of “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.”
For his part, the Acting Comptroller, Non-Intrusive Inspection, Deputy Comptroller Umar Madugu, said deploying the new scanners and ECTS would significantly reduce the need for 100 per cent physical examination, minimise human contact, curb cargo diversion, and improve efficiency across customs formations.
Also, on behalf of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, the General Manager, Bamidele Chinedu, described FAT as a milestone in implementing the TMP, stressing that integrating NII scanners and the ECTS is central to achieving a transparent, technology-driven customs system.
Meanwhile, the Project Manager, Nuctech Company Limited, Niu Chao, assured of the company’s commitment to delivering world-class equipment, technical support, capacity building, and after-sales services.
