Apapa Customs Unleashes Tech-Powered Crackdown, ₦6.3bn Contraband Seized, Data Analytics Centre Launched, Drive-Through Scanner Deployed at Apapa Port
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Apapa Customs Unleashes Tech-Powerd Crackdown, ₦6.3bn Contraband Seized, Data Analytics Centre Launched, and Drive-Through Scanner Deployed at Apapa Port
By Success Okezie
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi , has commissioned a Data Analytics Centre and inspected the newly installed Drive Through Scanner at the Apapa Port in Lagos. This marks a significant step towards modernizing customs operations and enhancing trade facilitation.
Speaking during the commissioning, Adeniyi emphasized the central role of data in modern Customs administration, describing it as the real currency of international business and a critical tool for effective communication and cooperation among global institutions. Data is key to risk management and global trade facilitation.
A clinic was also commissioned for officer wellness, prioritizing health and welfare .
Apapa Command Controller Emmanuel Oshoba hailed the facility as a new era for intelligence-driven operations and officer welfare.
“The CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Analytical Arena houses key units, including the Analytics Centre of Excellence,” Oshoba said. He noted that the infrastructure reflects Adeniyi’s vision to deploy modern tech and analytics to combat smuggling and facilitate trade, a success story of the Customs-PACT initiative.”
The CGC and the management team also went through the Drive-Through Scanner at APM Terminals, According to him, “this will streamline cargo inspection, reduce dwell time, and improve security.
This is a game-changer for Apapa Port, Nigeria’s busiest maritime gateway.”
The Customs henchman also took Journalists to seized containers at APMT Terminal where 13 containers with irregular cargo were seized, including:
– HASU 4072659: expired meds (Mixagrip, Ladinax, Chloroquine)
– MRSU 4584911 & MRSU 6913370: unregistered meds (Hyegra 200, Sildenafil Citrate)
– MRKU 8830266: 800 cartons of Codeine in toilet cisterns
– MRSU 5147562: Artesunate 60 injections
– PCIU 286888: restricted security gear (bulletproof vests, helmets)
– TCLU 3819607: expired biscuits
– UGMU 8692902: 36,000 cans of expired Primo energy drinks
– SUDU 1696593: expired St. Kelvin tomato paste
– TCLU 1923314: expired De Truth tomato paste
– TCNU 7257465: 1,700 cartons of Codeine cough syrup
– CAAU 8375050: 1,575 cartons of CSMIX with codeine
– 347.57kg of Cannabis Sativa in a Toyota Sienna (5TDDK3DC7DS057669)
Total seizures worth ₦6.3bn threaten public health and fuel substance abuse.
Adeniyi warned smugglers that Apapa Port is no longer a playground, enforcement, he emphasized, will be strict. Compliant traders will enjoy facilitation and predictability under the AEO programme.
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