Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it will soon commence 100 per cent scanning of all cargoes arriving through Onne Port in Rivers State to strengthen surveillance and curb the importation of arms, ammunition, illicit drugs and other contraband.
The National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in Port Harcourt on Tuesday ahead of the 2026 Public Relations Week. He said the initiative, already in operation at Apapa Port in Lagos, will see all cargoes pre-scanned, with images transmitted to the NCS headquarters in Abuja for further analysis when necessary.
Maiwada explained that the move builds on the heightened security measures introduced after the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, declared a state of emergency at Onne Port in September 2024 following the seizure of arms, ammunition and illicit drugs.
He clarified that the emergency status did not halt import and clearance activities but signified increased monitoring and deployment of resources to prevent illegal imports.
According to him, Customs will continue expanding its non-intrusive inspection technology despite resistance to the reforms, adding that Onne Port will be among the next ports to receive additional scanners.
Maiwada also called for stronger collaboration with the media, describing journalists as key partners in promoting transparency, public trust, trade facilitation, border security and national economic development.
