The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a large cache of falsified, expired, and unregistered pharmaceutical products, alongside restricted equipment including drones and telecommunications devices, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦921 million.
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made the disclosure during a press briefing held at the Apapa Port, Lagos, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. He issued a strong warning to importers against flouting import regulations, stressing that the Service would intensify its crackdown on illicit shipments.
“Our seizures today reveal a disturbing trend where importers are diversifying their contraband portfolios—mixing pharmaceuticals, food items, and controlled technologies in a systematic manner,Our collective vigilance is the most effective deterrent against transnational criminal networks attempting to undermine our national security and public health”He said.
According to him, operations conducted between January and April 2025 led to 11 seizures involving five 40-foot containers, two 20-foot containers, and four other consignments. Items recovered include expired margarine, unregistered sexual enhancement drugs, 60 units of warrior drones, and 10 professional FM transceiver walkie-talkies all lacking the necessary end-user certificates and regulatory approvals.
He noted that the pharmaceuticals in question lacked mandatory certification from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), making their importation a violation of Section 28 of the NAFDAC Act.
Also speaking at the briefing, Dr Olakunle Olaniran, Director of Ports Inspection at NAFDAC, condemned the importation of falsified drugs, warning Nigerians against self-medication and the purchase of drugs from unregistered sources.
“These are completely falsified medicines, and their dangers to public health cannot be overstated,” Olaniran said. “Nigerians must remain vigilant and only procure medicines from licensed pharmacies.”
The CGC commended the Apapa Area Command officers for their vigilance and professionalism in the successful interceptions.
Earlier in the day, Adeniyi also visited the Port & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) and Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) Area Commands for a firsthand assessment of the ongoing implementation of the Service’s new digital application, B’Odogwu.
He engaged stakeholders and personnel undergoing training on the platform, assuring them of continuous support to resolve operational challenges and optimize the system for national interest.
