Deputy Comptroller (DC) of Customs UA Madugu, often referred to as the “Scanning Guru” by his admirers, is appointed the Acting Comptroller Scanning Unit of the Service nationwide by the management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
By Innocent Chukwu
The current dispensation of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is being driven by technology. The technology-driven Customs is, arguably, a product of the current government’s Renewed Hope Agenda mantra being championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The NCS has never been as vibrant as it is today under the leadership of its Comptroller General (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi, in terms of using advanced technology application to drive its operations. This approach has resulted in fast-track cargo clearing processes that have prevented the hitherto recurrent port congestion, it has reduced cargo dwell time which has in turn reduced demurrage payments that used to increase prices of imported goods.
Furthermore, technology is helping the NCS in the areas of detection and seizure of illegal items that aid insecurity, it has also improved trade facilitation duty of the Service, as well as achieved increased revenue generation into the coffers of government.
There is no gainsaying the fact that the architects of the globally competitive NCS, and the drivers of its technological innovations are the youthful and energetic new-generation officers in their late thirties and early forties as ably backed by the leadership acumen of the outgoing old-generation officers which they are generously passing onto their successor subordinates.
A notable member of the top echelon of the new-generation officers is Deputy Comptroller UA Madugu who took the Scanning method of cargo examination to top notch at the Apapa Premier Port, Lagos. The DC Madugu scanning expertise at Apapa Port resulted in the seizure of hundreds of containers of hard drugs and arms and ammunition by the Customs of Apapa Area 1 Command. Again, Madugu’s achievement as DC Scanning Apapa prompted key supporting allies of the NCS to advocate for his special promotion to higher ranks, as well as the assignment of bigger and more challenging responsibilities to him, because they believe he is capable.
Last Month, after thorough assessment of Madugu’s stunning performance as the DC Scanning Unit at the Apapa Area 1 Command, Lagos, the management of the NCS began to respond to the calls by these critical supporting allies to promote DC Madugu and assign him bigger responsibilities. Madugu was not promoted by ranks, but as a starting point, he was assigned to be in charge of the Service’s Scanning Units nationwide as the Acting Comptroller Scanning at the Customs Headquarters, Abuja.
As with his other hardworking colleagues of the new-generation stock who are now heading grade “A” Area Commands as acting CACs, Madugu has equally found favour before the Customs management which saw him fit for his current position.
Hence, analysts claim that revolution is hitting the NCS’s cargo examination process as it is about to be upgraded to international best practice that is based on less human contact and technology-driven, courtesy of Madugu’s scanning prowess.
On his part, Madugu has pledged to revolutionize cargo examination technology in Nigeria to be at par with the bigger maritime economies across the globe. He has also promised to ensure near-zero physical examination of cargoes at all the sea ports, airports and border routes across the country, an approach that will reduce all kinds of smuggling and enhance national security.
The fulfillment of this pledge became evident early June 2026 when the acting Comptroller Scanning began the tour of the facilities in Lagos alongside the Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) in charge of Customs ICT Department at the Abuja Customs Headquarters, DCG Oluyomi Adebakin. During the visit, the team met with Terminal Operators who Madugu and the DCG engaged in thorough discussions on how to deploy scanners to fast-track cargo clearance.
From Apapa Premier Port Scanning Unit to Lekki Deep Sea Port, Tincan Island Port (TCIP), Port and Terminals Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Customs Commands to others, the question on Madugu’s lips were; how can we jointly make this initiative successful; how can we make the scanners work effectively? Which spaces are available to locate mobile scanners? How do we optimise cargo scanning?
At all the locations visited, the jaw jaw was smooth and mutually acceptable. The conclusion of the visits was that under the youthful, energetic Madugu, the NCS will pursue absolute migration to scanning examination wherever cargoes are imported and cleared across the country.
