From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted fake, expired, and unregistered pharmaceuticals, alongside controlled equipment including drones and telecommunication devices, valued at ₦921 billion at Apapa Port.
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi announced this during a press briefing on Wednesday, April 30, warning importers to comply with regulations.
“Our seizures today reveal that importers are diversifying their contraband portfolios—combining pharmaceuticals, food items, and controlled technology in systematic shipments. Our collective vigilance remains the most effective deterrent against transnational criminal networks seeking to compromise our borders,” Adeniyi said.
Operations from January to April 2025 led to 11 seizures, including five 40-foot containers, two 20-foot containers, and four additional consignments containing expired margarine, sexual enhancement drugs, 60 warrior drones, and 10 professional FM transceiver walkie-talkies, all imported without end-user certificates.
Adeniyi expressed concern over unregistered pharmaceuticals, stating, “These products lack mandatory NAFDAC registration numbers and certification, making their importation a clear violation of Section 28 of the NAFDAC Act.” He reaffirmed NCS’s commitment to border security: “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.” He commended Apapa Area Command’s vigilance.
NAFDAC’s Director of Ports Inspection, Dr Olakunle Olaniran, condemned the falsified medicines, saying, “These are completely falsified medicines. Nigerians must be wary—do not self-medicate. Always obtain your medicines from registered pharmacies.”
He praised NCS’s efforts. Earlier, Adeniyi visited Port & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) and Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) to assess the B’Odogwu digital platform’s implementation, assuring stakeholders of ongoing efforts to address operational challenges.