Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba Introduces Advance Scanning System Capable Of Processing 200 Containers Per Hour
By Asuquo Nuwak
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba Introduces Advance Scanning System Capable Of Processing 200 Containers Per Hour
••• Urges stakeholders to adopt Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) scheme for faster clearance, transparency, and efficient trade facilitation at Nigeria’s busiest port.
The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has concluded plan to enter a new phase of trade facilitation and efficiency with the introduction of an advanced scanning system capable of processing up to 200 containers per hour.
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said this initiative marks a major milestone in Customs modernization and aligns with the reform-driven vision of Comptroller- General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
Comptroller Oshoba, who recently assumed duty at the command, called on stakeholders to key into the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) project, which is an initiative that promotes compliance, transparency, and faster clearance for trusted traders.
He said the new scanner and the AEO scheme will jointly transform port operations at Apapa, Nigeria’s busiest maritime hub.
He said the processing of the 200-container-per-hour will redefine how the command manage cargo inspection at Apapa.
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba is quoted as saying that: “It is a game-changer that will drastically reduce clearance delays, curb smuggling, and make the port more efficient and investor-friendly. But to fully benefit from this, stakeholders must embrace the AEO program, which rewards compliant traders with seamless processing”.
Commenting on driving efficiency through experience and innovation,
Comptroller Oshoba said his appointment to Apapa command is build on a strong professional background in Customs Intelligence, Risk Management, and Special Duties.
He said since 1991 when he joined the Service, he has served in key strategic units, which has given him a comprehensive understanding of the operational and human elements within Nigeria’s port ecosystem.
He credited his seamless transition at the command to his existing relationship with senior officers and his familiarity with Apapa’s workflow.
He said the officers at the command are people he has worked with over the years, as mutual understanding has allowed them to hit the ground running.
In the area of sustained revenue growth and government support, he said the Apapa command continues to maintain strong revenue performance under his leadership, driven by discipline, collaboration, and the favorable trade environment created by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba who said President Tinubu’s commitment to trade facilitation and ease of doing business has set the stage for customs to perform optimally, also said the command is
building on those reforms to increase trade volume, improve transparency, and boost revenue generation for national development.
Commenting on partnership and stakeholder engagement,
Oshoba also highlighted stakeholder collaboration as a pillar of his leadership philosophy.
He said since assuming office, he has engaged actively with key port players including freight forwarders, clearing agents, sister security agencies, and royal institutions such as the Oba of Lagos and the Ojora of Ijora.
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba is quoted as stating that: “We are leveraging the CGC’s three-point agenda of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation. Engaging stakeholders fosters mutual trust, which is critical to modern border management”.
In the area of technology as a trade catalyst, he said the soon-to-be-commissioned scanning facility, which is expected to be launched by the CGC alongside officials from the Presidency, is designed to process between 150 and 200 containers hourly, using advanced imaging technology.
The report said this non-intrusive inspection system is expected to cut down inspection time, enhance revenue assurance, and strengthen border security.
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba further explained that the NCS is deploying Advanced Ruling, a proactive service allowing importers to seek binding classification advice before shipping goods to Nigeria.
He said together with the AEO program, these innovations form part of Customs’ digital transformation strategy.
In the area of export and trade facilitation, he said
while Apapa command focuses primarily on imports, he clarified that export documentation now falls under the Lilypond Export Command, but noted that Apapa still provides logistical support for outbound shipments, adding that their role is to ensure cargo moves seamlessly from the port to the vessels without delay.
Commenting on the outlook with the launch of the new scanners and expansion of trade facilitation programs, he said Apapa Customs is positioning itself as a leader in efficiency, compliance, and global best practices.
He said his message to the trading community is clear, which is embracing innovation, upholding compliance, and taking advantage of the AEO scheme to enjoy faster, smarter, and more transparent cargo clearance.
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, who unveiled processing of 200-container per hour scanning system, also urged stakeholders to adopt the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) scheme for faster clearance, transparency, and efficient trade facilitation at Nigeria’s busiest port.
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