APAPA PORT INTENSIFY EFFORT FOR FULL SCANNER TAKE-OFF IN 2026

By Okey Iroegbu 

The Nigeria Customs Service in the regime of Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR PhD did everything possible to change the narrative on trade facilitation in 2025. On Monday 22 December 2025

at the flagship of all the Customs command, Apapa, the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified preparations for the operational take-off of its newly installed FS6000 scanning machine at APM Terminals, Apapa. This was following the working visit of the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT, DCG Oluyomi

Adebakin. With the information reaching this media through the command's Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Sulaiman,  the visit comes as a build-up to the deployment of the scanners, which recently completed final test runs and simulation exercises at the terminal as part of the Service’ drive toward paperless cargo clearance, trade facilitation and operational efficiency. The report further said that speaking during the inspection of the scanning site at the Jetty side of

APMT, DCG Adebakin explained that the visit was aimed at ensuring adequate pre-arrangement and preparedness for a smooth transition to full scanning operations in line with international best practices. “The reason for this visit is the pre-arrangement and preparation for the take-up of the FX6000 scanning machine at the Jetty side of APMT, so that we can have a seamless transition to a scanning system which aligns with international best practices,” she said. She disclosed that the level of readiness to deploy the scanners are at  about 80 percent, which involves a tripartite responsibility involving the Nigeria Customs Service, APM Terminals, and the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP), adding that the remaining critical components would be fully addressed before commissioning. “From what we have seen, we can say that we are 80 percent ready. The remaining 20 percent is very vital, and I believe that prior to commissioning, it will be properly fixed. From the scanning examination and system analysis carried out, the system is good to go, and between now and the commissioning, we will achieve a proper take-up,” she noted. The DCG further highlighted the benefits the stakeholders should expect after commissioning, she assured port users of seamless operations, faster cargo clearance, reduced demurrage, ease of doing business and a balanced approach between trade facilitation and compliance. “The era of scattering people’s goods in the name of examination is over. This is a non-intrusive inspection system in line with international best practices. It is to the advantage of importers, consignees, terminal operators and the Service. The scanner has a throughput capacity of about 200 containers per hour,” she added. It could be realized that on November 6, 2025, under the supervision of the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the scanners were successfully tested for real-time synchronization of scanned images with electronic declarations. This visit therefore is to build on the recent completion of the final simulation exercise. Comptroller Oshoba has reiterated and assures critical stakeholders of  the Command’s commitment to supporting the Service’s ICT-driven reforms. He therefore confirmed a smooth transition to full scanner-based cargo examination at

Apapa Port by the year 2026.

HARVEST OF MULTIPLE BLESSINGS 2Cor 9:10 AT KIRIKIRI. "YOUR OFFERING WILL SPEAK FOR YOU," BY HIS EMINENCE SAMSON OGBU OF ST. JOSEPH'S CHOSEN CHURCH OF GOD WORLDWIDE.

By Okey Iroegbu 

St. Joseph's Chosen Church of God Worldwide, Lagos region rounded up the Harvest of Ingathering today Sunday, December 14, 2025 at the Regional headquarters at Kirikiri Branch. The Spiritual Leader, Apostle (Dr.) S. N. Ogbu, in his usual way arrived the celebration ahead of many others by 8:40 am. In his entourage are Apostle Joseph Jacobson and the Secretary General of the Church, Staff Pastor Elohor. There was as usual a Sunday lesson after which the service commenced with an opening prayer by Apostle Jacobson.

There were visions which propelled the day's activities. The Staff Pastor Elohor interpreted the visions. 

The spiritual leader moved with the program as he moved ahead to rededicate the church building. It was a joyous moment as members were entertained by the choir.

In his welcoming address , the Regional Supervisor, Apostle Apostle Dr Osanebi did not mince words to eulogies the region on her feat as the best for now on financial commitments.

"I welcome you all to this year's Ingathering Harvest and the official opening of the new cathedral of the Kirikiri Branch, our Regional Headquarters. 

"We are grateful to God Almighty for this privilege and for all He has used to fulfil the dream that today Kirikiri has a new look," he said beaming with joy. 

He went further to thank and bless those who made the project possible.

"May God Almighty bless those who have supported this vision. You will not lack, in Jesus' Name. Amen."

On the main day's activity, the harvest ingathering he said that the virtue of getting blessings from God is primarily predicted on giving good gifts willingly.

"As we gather, we acknowledge that every good gift comes from God, the giver of good things. Today, we are concluding the Harvest and Thanksgiving celebration which started in the third week of October across the 21 branches of the Region," he said.

Citing 2nd Corinthians 9:10 — “God's supply is unending.” God has assured us of His divine supply, like seed to the sower and bread for food. The above verse reminds us that God's provision is not just a one-time event but a continuous process. 

        He finally informed the visiting Spiritual leader about the exploits the region made.

"Drawing from the theme of the year by our Spiritual Leader, “The Kingdom Mandate" we in Lagos embarked on massive evangelism and the restoration of lost souls.

"The third report from the Secretary is evidence of the result that, in this year 2025, 

Lagos Region is the best region in financial growth and among the few Regions"

He thereafter informed members of the remaining programme for the year and early next year.

"Having said that, on the 21st of December, there will be Christmas Carol Services across  the Region. 

"On January 3rd, 2026, we will be starting our Regional fasting, to end with our first Regional All-night on the 23rd of January at the Regional headquarters, Kirikiri Branch, as we await the theme for the year from the Spiritual leader.

"On the 25th of January, 2026, we will be entering the year with a Thanksgiving Service and the official opening of anew Branch in Mowe, Ogun State, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway," he concludes.

        At this point, the Spiritual leader mounted the pulpit to feed the congregation. This was a very cherished privilege as this does not come always. He gave his theme as "Your offering will speak for you." This topic was well illustrated with the story of the death of Dorcas and her restoration. When Dorcas sudden death came to the people, they all cried and testified of her kindness while praying that she should not die. They all cited her kindness and she did for everyone of them. He also cited the faithfulness of Abraham when he was tempted to sacrifice his only son. He also reminded the congregation about the instructions given to Noah about the Ark and the invitation to all the creatures. That, it could be realised that all animals entered including the nail which could not move with the speed of other animals but it finally entered. He prayed for everyone that the Ark would not be closed until we enter the Ark.

He finally prayed that our offerings will speak to us today.

After this teaching by the spiritual leader the harvest commenced with presentation of farm produce, cash from members. Photos are uploaded under.