Customs Fixes December 2026 To Phase Out Physical Examination At Ports

By Roland Ekama

The Comptroller-General , Nigeria Customs Service Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, announced that physical examinations of cargo will be completely phased out before the year’s end, shifting to technology-driven non-intrusive inspections like the  scanning machines.

Adeniyi disclosed this while commissioning Boosts Tech Shift at the Apapa Area Command of Customs in Lagos.

Speaking during the unveiling of the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Analytical Arena—a new two-storey facility housing the Analytics Centre, Customs Intelligence Unit, clinic, and strategic offices—Adeniyi emphasized data analytics as the backbone for reducing manual checks.

Current Apapa data , he noted reveals heavy reliance on physical examination: namely – 21,373 consignments via the Red channel versus 3,236 scanned (Orange), 5,490 documentary (Yellow), 1,118 Blue, and 149 Green.

The goal, Adeniyi explained is to expand scanning across major ports like Apapa, Tin Can Island, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar to cut congestion and speed clearance.

Adeniyi urged traders to declare cargo honestly and join the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) program for trusted status, noting that higher compliance will minimize intrusive checks on legitimate trade.

He stressed that this targets high-risk shipments only, enhancing enforcement accuracy without disrupting compliant flows.

Addressing journalists at APM Terminals, Adeniyi showcased 13 containers and contraband worth over ₦6 billion, uncovered via scanning and risk profiling, 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. Additional items: expired biscuits, energy drinks, tomato paste, 1,700 cartons of codeine in flasks, 1,575 more codeine cartons, and cannabis sativa.

Earlier , the Apapa Area Controller, Emmanuel Oshoba welcomed dignitaries to the commissioning of the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Analytical Arena describing it as the start of intelligence-driven customs operations and better officer welfare.

In his address, the Controller detailed the two-storey building’s role in housing the state-of-the-art Analytics Centre, Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), Command Clinic, and other strategic offices, reflecting the Comptroller-General’s vision for technology to combat smuggling and ease trade.

He expressed profound appreciation to stakeholders via the Customs-PACT partnership for turning the vision into reality, noting that their collaboration built a safer Nigeria.

Similarly , the Controller commended the CGC’s leadership in prioritizing efficiency and welfare—hence naming the facility after him.

The Controller tied the project to reducing physical exams, citing Apapa data: 21,373 Red channel (physical) vs. 3,236 Orange (scanning), urging scanner expansion to target high-risk cargo only, cut congestion, and boost clearance nationwide by year-end with improved trader compliance.

WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE CUSTOMS AREA CONTROLLER APAPA AREA COMMAND DURING THE COMMISSIONING OF THE ANALYTICS CENTRE

It is with great joy and profound gratitude to the Almighty that I welcome you all to the flagship Command of the NCS today. We are honoured by your presence to witness a landmark event in the history of this Command. Today, we are not just commissioning a building; we are flagging off a new era of intelligence-driven customs operations and improved welfare for our officers.

“The magnificent two-storey building we see today, proudly named the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Analytical Arena, has been designed with a futuristic, data-driven approach to border security. It is designed to house critical, tactical and operational components of our Command, including

“This infrastructure is a direct reflection of the vision of our Comptroller-General to leverage modern technology and analytics to fight smuggling, secure our nation and facilitate legitimate trade.

“This project is a tangible success story of the Customs-PACT (Partnership for Cooperation in Trade) as championed by our CGC. I must express our profound appreciation to our stakeholders and partners. Your collaboration has been instrumental in turning this vision into reality.

“Your willingness to partner with us demonstrates a shared commitment to building a stronger, safer and more prosperous Nigeria. Without your support, this rapid transformation would not have been possible.”, he said.