Customs Moves to End Physical Cargo Checks at Apapa Port

The Nigeria Customs Service has announced plans to phase out routine physical examination of cargo at the Apapa Port as part of efforts to modernise port operations, enhance trade facilitation and reduce delays associated with manual inspection processes. The move aligns with broader reforms aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and revenue collection within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Customs officials explained that the initiative is anchored on increased deployment of non-intrusive inspection technologies, particularly modern cargo scanning systems. By relying more on scanners and digital risk assessment tools, the Service said it intends to significantly reduce human contact with cargo, thereby speeding up clearance processes and curbing opportunities for sharp practices.

Apapa Port, Nigeria’s busiest seaport, has long been associated with congestion, lengthy cargo dwell times and high logistics costs. Physical examination of containers, which often requires opening and manually inspecting shipments, has been identified as a major contributor to delays. Customs said eliminating routine physical checks would help decongest the port and improve turnaround time for importers and exporters.

According to the Service, the transition will be gradual and risk-based. Only high-risk consignments flagged by intelligence and profiling systems will be subjected to physical examination, while low-risk cargo will be cleared using scanning results and electronic documentation. This approach, Customs said, is consistent with global best practices in customs administration.

The NCS noted that it has begun upgrading and installing additional scanning equipment at Apapa Port to support the initiative. Officials said the scanners are capable of detecting concealed items, under-declared goods and prohibited imports without the need to open containers, thereby improving accuracy and security.

Customs also highlighted the role of its automated clearance platforms in supporting the shift away from physical checks. By integrating scanning results with electronic manifests, valuation systems and risk management modules, the Service said it can make faster and more informed clearance decisions.

The planned reform is also expected to reduce operational costs for businesses. Importers and freight forwarders often incur additional expenses during physical examinations, including demurrage, storage charges and handling fees. By minimising these checks, Customs said traders would benefit from lower costs and improved ease of doing business.

Industry stakeholders have largely welcomed the move, describing it as a long-overdue reform. Freight forwarders and port users have consistently called for reduced physical examination, citing inefficiencies and disruptions to supply chains. Many believe that increased reliance on technology will enhance predictability and transparency at the port.

However, some stakeholders have urged Customs to ensure that scanning infrastructure is reliable and adequately maintained. Past experiences with malfunctioning scanners have sometimes forced a return to manual inspection, undermining reform efforts. Port users stressed the need for consistent power supply, skilled operators and prompt maintenance.

Customs officials acknowledged these concerns, assuring stakeholders that measures are being put in place to ensure sustainability. The Service said it is training officers on the use of modern scanning equipment and strengthening partnerships with service providers to ensure optimal performance.

The initiative also aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to improve Nigeria’s ranking on global trade and logistics indices. By reducing cargo dwell time and simplifying clearance procedures, authorities hope to attract more trade, boost port competitiveness and support economic growth.

Customs noted that non-intrusive inspection would enhance compliance rather than weaken controls. According to the Service, advanced scanners and data analytics can be more effective than manual checks in detecting smuggling and under-declaration, as they reduce discretion and human error.

The reform is also expected to complement ongoing port community system initiatives, which aim to integrate all port stakeholders on a single digital platform. Such integration would allow seamless sharing of information among Customs, terminal operators, shipping companies and other agencies.

Despite the optimism, analysts caution that ending physical checks at Apapa Port will require strong inter-agency coordination. Multiple government agencies operate at the port, and overlapping mandates have sometimes led to duplicated inspections. Stakeholders argue that for the reform to succeed, all agencies must align with the non-intrusive inspection framework.

Customs said it is engaging relevant agencies to harmonise inspection procedures and reduce duplication. The Service emphasised that collaboration is essential to achieving a streamlined clearance process and avoiding bottlenecks.

The move to end routine physical cargo checks is also seen as part of Customs’ broader revenue optimisation strategy. Faster clearance and improved compliance, officials said, could increase trade volumes and ultimately boost revenue without resorting to excessive enforcement measures.

Port operators have expressed optimism that the reform will improve Apapa Port’s efficiency and reputation. Nigeria has in the past lost cargo traffic to neighbouring ports due to delays and high costs, and stakeholders believe technology-driven inspection could help reverse the trend.

Customs reiterated that physical examination would not be completely eliminated but reserved strictly for exceptional cases. The Service stressed that national security, safety and revenue protection remain paramount, and any consignment deemed suspicious would still undergo thorough inspection.

As implementation progresses, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how effectively the policy is executed. Many believe that if successfully implemented at Apapa Port, the model could be extended to other seaports across the country.

The Nigeria Customs Service expressed confidence that ending routine physical cargo checks would mark a significant milestone in port reform. According to the Service, the initiative represents a shift towards smarter, faster and more transparent customs operations, positioning Nigeria’s ports to better support trade, investment and economic development.