The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have inaugurated a Joint Implementation Committee to enforce the provisions of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both agencies in 2024.
The official inauguration took place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, during a courtesy visit by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The MoU, signed on November 14, 2024, during the second day of the CGC’s Annual Conference in Abuja, aimed to strengthen inter-agency collaboration to combat the influx of fake, substandard, and unregulated pharmaceutical products and other harmful substances into Nigeria.
During the meeting, CGC Adeniyi reaffirmed the Customs Service’s dedication to the full implementation of the agreement, describing the constitution of the committee as a critical step in transforming the MoU from policy to action.
“Every time we meet, your position has always been for us to come together and deepen collaboration. This implementation committee will drive our shared vision to protect Nigerians from harmful, unregulated substances,” Adeniyi said.
He further explained that the committee’s Terms of Reference had been clearly outlined to include the development of a joint work plan, harmonisation of operational standards, coordination of communication and training programmes, effective monitoring and evaluation, and addressing implementation challenges with actionable solutions.
Prof. Adeyeye welcomed the initiative and commended the Customs Service for its unwavering commitment to public safety and health. She reiterated NAFDAC’s readiness to support the committee’s work and highlighted the strategic importance of the Customs-NAFDAC partnership.
“This committee’s inauguration marks a transition from dialogue to decisive action. It is a significant step toward strengthening national controls and improving operational synergy,” she stated.
The Joint Implementation Committee is chaired by Mr. Olakunle Olaniran of NAFDAC, while Barr. Smart Akande, Director of Legal Services and Legal Adviser to the Nigeria Customs Service, will serve as Deputy Chairman. Other members are drawn from both agencies.
The move is expected to enhance regulatory enforcement, reduce the circulation of illicit drugs and counterfeit products, and safeguard the health and safety of Nigerians.
