In a decisive move to fortify national security and optimize trade, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced sweeping plans to deploy a 100 percent cargo scanning policy at the strategic Onne Port in Rivers State.
The high-tech upgrade aims to completely overhaul cargo inspection protocols, block revenue leakages, and slam the door shut on the smuggling of dangerous contraband including illicit pharmaceuticals, arms, and ammunition.
Technology Meets Enforcement: How the New System Works
Speaking during a high-level media briefing in Port Harcourt, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, revealed that the initiative is part of the Service's aggressive transition toward advanced, non-intrusive inspection technology.
Under the new framework, the inspection process will leverage digital integration and rigorous pre-scanning:
Pre-Scanned Oversight: Every single import processed through the port will undergo comprehensive digital scanning before clearance.
Centralized Auditing: High-resolution scanning images will be safely stored and digitally transmitted directly to the NCS headquarters in Abuja for deep intelligence analysis when required.
Building on Success: Following the successful rollout and positive yields of 100% scanning at Lagos's Apapa Port, Onne Port is the next major economic gateway to replicate the cutting-edge system.
A Port of Special Interest: Securing the Maritime Gateway
The push for total digital surveillance follows heightened security measures at the facility, tracing back to the special interest status and emergency protocols instituted by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, following major seizures of illicit weapons and prohibited items.
Customs authorities have clarified that while the "special interest" status remains active to keep criminal syndicates at bay, commercial clearance operations and legitimate import businesses continue to run smoothly.
While acknowledging that technological overhauls often face resistance from internal and external quarters resistant to change, the NCS remains resolute. By combining advanced non-intrusive tech with unyielding compliance checks, the Service is positioning Onne Port to not only maximize revenue generation for the federation but to serve as an impenetrable shield against threats to public health and national safety.
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