Victor EzejaThe Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has handed over 25 containers of seized unregistered and prohibited pharmaceutical products to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The cargoes, which were seized in various anti-smuggling operations, comprise a range of illicit items, including counterfeit medications, codeine-based syrups, fake NAFDAC-labelled drugs, expired food items, and cosmetic products, all worth over ₦9.2 billion.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSpeaking during the formal handover of the items to NAFDAC on Friday, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, announced a ban on the clearance of pharmaceutical cargoes in bonded terminals.
According to a statement by the NCS, Adeniyi said that in line with ongoing reforms of their operations, pharmaceutical imports have been restricted to only four approved ports: Apapa Customs Command, Port and Terminal Multi-purpose Limited (PTML), Lagos International Airport, and the Onne Port in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
“Henceforth, pharmaceutical products will not be allowed into any of those bonded terminals to enhance the effective implementation of these policies. Any pharmaceutical product must be cleared, duties must be paid, and inspection must be made at the ports that I earlier mentioned,” Adeniyi stated.
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The CGC reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to safeguarding public health through robust enforcement actions.
He said the success recorded was as a result of their joint commitment with NAFDAC following a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2024.
“The seizures represent a sophisticated network of criminal enterprises exploiting regulatory gaps to compromise our national health security”, the CGC stated.
He said the MoU has facilitated strategic collaboration with NAFDAC, boosting the Service’s anti-smuggling operations.
The Customs boss warned transport companies, haulage operators, bonded terminal owners, and other trade facilitators that any involvement in smuggling or regulatory violations would have serious consequences, including the revocation of operating licenses.
Adeniyi revealed that the service recovered ₦1.5 billion and ₦500 million for infractions related to bonded terminals.
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According to the statement, details of the seized items include: “sexual enhancement drugs such as REDSUN and HYEGRA sildenafil citrate products, codeine-containing cough syrups, including CSC brands, antibiotic injections like oxytetracycline and artesunate, pain relief medications containing diclofenac sodium and paracetamol, skin lightening creams marketed as GBOGBONISE and SKIN CHEMIST, hip and breast enlargement products, and various tablets bearing fake NAFDAC registration numbers.
“The seizures also include expired food products such as margarine and chocolate, veterinary medications including albendazole bolus tablets, antimalarial drugs like artepharm-artequick, and consumer goods such as Crusader soap, reflecting a sophisticated and diversified contraband portfolio that poses significant threats to public health, consumer safety, and regulatory integrity.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
