The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has raised serious concerns over the influx of unregistered pharmaceuticals and restricted technological items into the country, describing the trend as a direct threat to national health and security.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Apapa Port Command on Tuesday, April 30, 2025, CGC Adeniyi disclosed that Customs operatives recorded 11 major seizures between January and April 2025, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦921,021,213.00.
He revealed that the seizure comprised five 40ft containers, two 20ft containers, and four other concealments were made under heightened surveillance, guided by risk profiling and strategic intelligence.
“We have witnessed a disturbing surge in attempts to smuggle unregistered pharmaceutical products into the country, many of which have no NAFDAC registration numbers. This alone accounted for 63.7% of the total seizure value,” CGC Adeniyi stated.
Among the most notable interceptions were:
891 cartons of unregistered pharmaceuticals, including tramadol and other sex-enhancement drugs (DPV: ₦142.3 million)
1,001 cartons of falsely declared sildenafil citrate, misrepresented as omeprazole (DPV: ₦143.2 million)
Expired margarine concealed in two containers (DPV: ₦240.2 million)
113 units of drones, lacking end-user certificates, and 10 FM transceiver walkie-talkies
According to the CGC, the Customs Service has detected an alarming pattern where transnational syndicates exploit countries with weak export controls to ship banned goods to Nigeria.
“This is not a random occurrence. It points to a well-organised network of transnational criminal activities deliberately targeting Nigeria with dangerous goods,” he said.
The CGC further highlighted the seizure of drones and radio communication equipment as a national security concern, warning that such items, if unchecked, could fall into the hands of non-state actors and criminal groups.
He assured Nigerians that the Customs Service, in collaboration with relevant regulatory agencies like NAFDAC, NDLEA, and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), is stepping up enforcement actions.
“We are seeing greater success because of enhanced collaboration with stakeholders and improved application of risk management tools. Our officers are more vigilant, and our intelligence network is stronger than ever,” Adeniyi said.
He added that in the first quarter of 2025, the NCS recorded a 34.6% increase in narcotics seizures, with a DPV of ₦730.7 million, compared to Q1 2024.
Commending the officers and men of the Apapa Port Command, the CGC said their professionalism and patriotism are key to the Service’s success.
“These interdictions reflect the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to safeguarding our nation’s borders, public health, and economy. We will not relent,” Adeniyi affirmed.
