In a renewed show of inter-agency synergy within Nigeria’s maritime and border security architecture, the Tin-Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has transferred three containers laden with expired pharmaceutical products to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) at the Tin-Can Port in Apapa, Lagos.
The handover, conducted during a brief but symbolic ceremony at the port, was described as a critical step in safeguarding public health and strengthening national security. The Controller of the Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, said the action reflected the shared resolve of sister agencies to prevent dangerous and illicit products from finding their way into the Nigerian market.
According to him, the formal transfer of the three 20-foot containers would allow NAFDAC to carry out its statutory regulatory procedures and ensure that the expired pharmaceutical products are appropriately investigated and disposed of in line with extant laws.
Comptroller Onyeka emphasised that the seizure and subsequent handover underscored Customs’ commitment to vigilance, compliance enforcement, and sustained collaboration with relevant regulatory bodies in the maritime sector.
The Controller explained that the containers include units with number PONU031958/6 and MSKU711656/0, which were found to contain expired Tramadol tablets. He hinted that the consignments were thoroughly examined and that the result revealed that the first container contained 86 cartons of Vingil Tramadol BP 50mg, while the second container held 250 cartons of the same expired Tramadol product.
According to Onyeka, the third container, with number MSKU413519/1, was found to contain 370 cartons of expired Diclofenac Sodium BP 50mg tablets without valid NAFDAC registration number, making the consignment illegal and dangerous for public use.
He added beyond the seizures, the Command has continued to record notable achievements in recent times through intensified cargo examination, improved intelligence gathering, and sustained enforcement operations.
The Controller assured that the Command has remained proactive in intercepting prohibited and falsely declared goods, including controlled pharmaceuticals, arms and ammunition, narcotics, and other items capable of undermining public safety and economic stability. Furthermore, he said that the Command has continued to facilitate legitimate trade and contribute significantly to revenue generation, in line with the core mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service. He noted that the achievements are the result of deliberate strategies anchored on discipline, integrity, and strong inter-agency collaboration.
Recall that the Tin-Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service a few days ago handed over 55 bags of Cannabis Indica worth over ₦4.7 Billion to the NDLEA in a move that underscores the collaborative relationships between the Command and sister agencies.
Onyeka expressed his deep appreciation to the NAFDAC operatives for their consistent cooperation. He stated that the synergy between the two agencies and other sister agencies has continued to yield positive results, particularly in ensuring that fake, substandard, and expired drugs are intercepted before reaching the Nigerian populace.
He commended officers and men of the Command for their resilience and commitment to duty, saying that their efforts have continued to strengthen the credibility and operational effectiveness of the Command.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi PhD, MFR for his purposeful leadership and strategic reforms, which have empowered the Command’s operations.
The Controller reassured the general public that the Command will not relent in its resolve to combat illicit trade, enforce compliance with extant laws, and work closely with sister agencies to safeguard lives and property.
Reacting to the handing over of the expired drugs to NAFDAC, the agency’s Chief Regulatory Officer, Investigation and Inspection Directorate, Apapa, Mr. Kareem Taiwo Adekunle praised the collaboration existing between the two agencies and lauded Customs for uncompromisingly working to ensure that illicit drugs do not enter Nigerian markets.
He assured that NAFDAC will do further investigations and take necessary action on the the consignments afterwards.