Customs FOU ‘A’ Hands Over ₦3.7bn Expired Drugs to NAFDAC, Strengthens War Against Fake Pharmaceuticals

 

Customs FOU ‘A’ Hands Over ₦3.7bn Expired Drugs to NAFDAC, Strengthens War Against Fake Pharmaceuticals

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone A, has strengthened its collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in a renewed effort to curb the menace of counterfeit and substandard drugs in the country.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by NAFDAC officials on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the Unit Head, Comptroller Muhammed Shuaibu, described the partnership as a reflection of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi’s vision of consolidating inter-agency cooperation for national security and public health.

“When our CGC first assumed office, he emphasised consolidation and collaboration. He acknowledged that there was already an existing process; we only needed to build on it. Our synergy is not just with NAFDAC but with every government agency. I want to assure you that whatever agreement is signed at the top, we at the strategic level follow it up. The truth is, there is an urgent need to eradicate substandard products,” Shuaibu said.

On his part, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martin Iluyomade, lauded CGC Adeniyi’s leadership, describing him as “a man with excellence in his DNA,” whose visionary approach has fostered stronger cooperation between Customs and NAFDAC.

Similarly, NAFDAC’s Director of Ports Inspection, Dr. Olakunle Olaniran, stressed that the agency is committed to aligning with international best practices, noting that the importation of falsified drugs would no longer be tolerated. “Perpetrators will soon have no option but to channel their income to legitimate businesses,” he added.

The high-level meeting was rounded off with the official handover of expired pharmaceutical products valued at ₦3.7 billion by Comptroller Shuaibu to NAFDAC, reinforcing both agencies’ resolve to rid the nation of counterfeit and unsafe medicines.