…destroys five containers of illicit pharmaceuticals
By Nkechi Eze
In a bid to combat the proliferation of illicit and hazardous substances, while prioritizing the health and safety of Nigerians, the Nigeria Customs Service has joined forces with other regulatory agencies to launch a nationwide crackdown on expired and counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
ACG Timi Bomodi, of the Enforcement, Inspection, and Investigation Department, spearheaded the first phase of a nationwide operation to destroy illicit pharmaceuticals on Thursday, January 22, 2025. The operation kicked off at the Alaro Dump site in Epe, Lagos.
Bomodi, who heads a committee tasked with identifying, isolating, evacuating, and destroying illegal imports, in his statement, stressed the importance of the nationwide operation. As chair of this committee, established by the National Security Adviser, he highlighted the critical role this exercise plays in safeguarding public health and national security.
“We’re starting here in Lagos, specifically with about 88 containers. We’ll also be going to Port Harcourt, where we have over 20 containers. Then we’ll go to Calabar, Kano, and other locations”. Bomodi disclosed.
Highlighting the impact of the operation, he noted that the exercise is integral to safeguarding public health and security.
“These products are offensive, fake, unregistered, and pose a serious threat to the well-being of Nigerians. Some are linked to criminal activities, including kidnapping and other crimes.”
Stressing that the multi-agency approach spearheaded by the NSA involves the NCS, NAFDAC, NDLEA, and other bodies working together to curb the menace, the ACG highlighted that while the destruction is critical, efforts to prosecute offenders are underway, with several cases already in court.
“this is the first phase of a continuous exercise until all intercepted containers are eliminated” ACG Bomodi stated.
Also worthy of note is that ifve containers of illicit pharmaceuticals were destroyed.
Additionally, beyond the destruction of the seized goods, the authorities are also investigating the illicit products’ origins and importation methods.
“We are looking at the items and examining their countries of origin, importers’ histories, and the agencies they use. This will enable us build a robust risk management system to tackle this menace effectively.”
While calling on the public to collaborate with authorities, he emphasized that tackling this issue requires a collective responsibility.
Commodore Kelechi Ogbonna, speaking on behalf of the NSA, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to eliminating the threat of substandard and contraband pharmaceuticals. He stressed the NSA’s commitment to destroying these harmful products and preventing them from entering the market, citing concerns over their detrimental impact on public health.
