- Warns importers on compliance
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a major consignment of falsified pharmaceuticals, drones, and telecommunication devices valued at ₦921 million, as part of intensified border enforcement operations aimed at curbing illicit imports.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced the seizures during a press briefing at Apapa Port on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, issuing a stern warning to importers to adhere strictly to regulatory guidelines.
“Our seizures today reveal that importers are diversifying their contraband portfolios—combining pharmaceuticals, food items, and controlled technology in systematic shipments,” Adeniyi stated. “Our collective vigilance remains the most effective deterrent against transnational criminal networks seeking to compromise our borders.”
Between January and April 2025, Customs officers carried out 11 seizures involving five 40-foot containers, two 20-foot containers, and four additional consignments containing expired margarine, unregistered sexual enhancement drugs, 60 units of warrior drones, and 10 professional FM transceiver walkie-talkies—all imported without the required end-user certificates.
Adeniyi expressed grave concern over the influx of unregistered pharmaceuticals, warning of their risks to public health. “These products lack mandatory NAFDAC registration numbers and certification, making their importation a clear violation of Section 28 of the NAFDAC Act,” he noted.
Reaffirming the Service’s resolve, he said, “We will deploy all available resources to ensure our borders remain secure against the importation of items that threaten national security, economic stability, and public health.”
The CGC also commended officers of the Apapa Area Command for their professionalism and vigilance in effecting the seizures.
Speaking at the event, Dr Olakunle Olaniran, Director of Ports Inspection at NAFDAC, condemned the scale of pharmaceutical fraud uncovered. “These are completely falsified medicines. Nigerians must be wary—do not self-medicate. Always obtain your medicines from registered pharmacies,” he advised, while applauding the Customs Service for its proactive stance in protecting public health.
Earlier in the day, Adeniyi visited the Port & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) and Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) Area Commands to assess the real-time implementation of the B’Odogwu digital platform. During the visit, he engaged stakeholders undergoing training on the application at TCIP, emphasizing the Service’s commitment to resolving operational challenges and strengthening the system for national benefit.
