By Femi Anamelechi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted a large consignment of fake, expired and unregistered pharmaceuticals, as well as controlled equipment including drones and telecommunication devices worth ₦921 billion. The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Apapa Port on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, warning importers to adhere strictly to import regulations.”Our seizures today revealed that importers are diversifying their contraband portfolios combining pharmaceuticals, food items and control technology in systematic shipments. Our collective vigilance remains the most effective deterrence against transnational criminal networks attempting to compromise our borders.”
According to the CGC, the seizure operations made between January and April 2025 yielded a total of 11 seizures involving five 40 foot containers, two 20 foot containers, and four other consignments containing expired margarine products, sexual enhancement medications, 60 units of warrior drones, 10 pieces of professional FM trans receiver walkie-talkie, without end user certificates. He expressed concern over the proliferation of unregistered pharmaceutical products, which pose a significant threat to public health. “This products lack mandatory NAFDAC registration numbers and certification, and their importation is a clear contravention of section 28 of NAFDAC Act”, he said.
The Customs boss assured Nigerians that the service would maintain an uncompromising stance on enforcement of import regulations. ‘We shall deploy all resources at our disposal to ensure that our borders remain secured against the importation of items prejudicial to national security, economic prosperity and public health.” The CGC also commended officers and men of Apapa Area Command for their vigilance and professionalism, which led to the successful interception of the contraband goods. Also speaking at the event, the Director of Ports Inspection, NAFDAC, Dr. Olakunle Olaniran, condemned the scale of pharmaceutical fraud uncovered, “this is a complete falsified medicine. And what I can say here is that Nigerians have to be weary of all of this. Do not self medicate, before you get your medicine, go to a registered pharmacy.” He commended the service for it’s proactive efforts in protecting the nation from the threat of illicit and harmful pharmaceuticals.
