– As CG Adeniyi Inspects B’Odogwu implementation at PTML, TCIP
By Innocent Orok
In another show of anti- smuggling strength, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Port Customs Command has intercepted a large consignment of fake, expired, and unregistered pharmaceuticals, along with controlled equipment, including drones and telecommunication devices, valued at ₦921 million.
Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi disclosed this during a press briefing at Apapa Port on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, warning importers to comply strictly with import regulations.
Adeniyi while alerting on new trend of dangerous imports said “Our seizures today reveal that importers are diversifying their contraband portfolios combining pharmaceuticals, food items, and controlled technology in systematic shipments. Our collective vigilance remains the most effective deterrent against transnational criminal networks seeking to compromise our borders.”
According to the CG Adeniyi, operations conducted between January and April 2025 by the Apapa Customs Command led to 11 seizures involving five 40-foot containers, two 20-foot containers, and four additional consignments containing expired margarine, sexual enhancement drugs, 60 units of warrior drones, and 10 professional FM transceiver walkie-talkies—imported without the required end-user certificates.
The breakdown of the seizures include 40ft container which contained 891 cartons of unregistered pharmaceutical products including REDSUN SILDENAFIL CITRATE ORAL JELLY (100MG), ANTI-DOULEUR HUILE (60ML), DR. ICO CYPROPHEPTADINE WITH MULTIVITAMIN TABLET, SAMSON OIL (2ML), ROCKET SILDENAFIL CITRATE TABLET (20OMG), DR. ICO HERBAL INHALER, and DR. ICO PAIN RELIEFOIL without NAFDAC registration numbers, Duty Paid Value of
₦142,296,505.
40ft container containing 242 cartons of COL CAPS-CHLOROPHENIRAMINE-MALEATE CAPSULES
(unregistered pharmaceuticals) without NAFDAC Registration numbers with Duty Paid Value: ₦140,101,224. The container and its contents have been seized and will be condemned according to extant laws.
Another 40ft Container with 1,001 cartons/packages of HYEGRA SILDENAFIL CITRATE TABLETS 200mg (unregistered pharmaceuticals) without NAFDAC registration numbers. These were falsely declared as OMEPRAZOLE CAPSULE with Duty Paid Value of ₦143,234,502. The container was seized in accordance with section 246(g) of the NCS Act 2023.
40ft container with 1,400 packages of ORIGINAL CHEST & LUNGS, VITAPLUS (BIG BOOTY TABLETS), CYPROHIPTADIN with B-COMPLEX TABLETS without NAFDAC registration numbers with Duty Paid Value: ₦145,023,204.
40ft container containing 805 PACKAGES OF GBOGBONISE SKIN CREAM and 536 PACKAGES OF SKIN
CHEMIST CREAM without NAFDAC Registration numbers, falsely declared as 1,341 packages of cosmetic powder. Duty Paid Value:
₦141,576,012. Both the container and its contents were seized according to section 246(g) of the NCS Act.
Others are 20ft container with expired Margarine products with a Duty Paid Value of ₦120,113,043. The container and expired products have was seized and condemned via Federal High Court suit no. FHC/L/MISC/229/2024 of 6th May, 2024.
20ft container with expired margarine products with a Duty Paid Value of ₦120,113,043. This container was seized and condemned via Federal High Court suit no. FHC/L/MISC/229/2024 of 6th May 2024.
60 UNITS OF WARRIOR DRONE. These drones (seizure No. NCS/INV/APQ/25/0001E of 16/01/025) were evacuated from container no. MSKU 9329923(40ft) for lack of End-user certificate. Duty Paid Value: ₦15,914,681. They were seized in line with extant laws.
53 UNITS OF DIFFERENT HELICOPTER DRONES.These
drones (seizure No. NCS/INV/APQ/25/002E OF 29/01/25) were evacuated from SIFAX III for lack of End-user certificate. Duty Paid Value:
₦2,139,928.
10 PCS OF PROFESSIONAL FM TRANSCEIVER WALKIE-
TALKIE. These communication devices (seizure No. NCS/INV/APQ/25/003E of 15/02/25) were evacuated from ENL for lack of End-user certificate. Duty Paid Value: ₦520,000.
Another 20ft container with 500 packages of ARTE-PHARMARTEQUICK (ARTEMISININ 62.5mg/ PIPERAQUANINE 375mg) without NAFDAC registration.
Adeniyi expressed deep concern over the proliferation of unregistered pharmaceuticals, which pose a significant threat to public health. “These products lack mandatory NAFDAC registration numbers and certification, making their importation a clear violation of Section 28 of the NAFDAC Act,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Service’s unwavering commitment to enforcing import regulations. “We will deploy all available resources to ensure our borders remain secure against the importation of items that threaten national security, economic stability, and public health.”
He also commended the Apapa Area Command officers and personnel for their vigilance and professionalism in effecting the interceptions.
Also, speaking at the event, Dr Olakunle Olaniran, Director of Ports Inspection at NAFDAC, condemned the scale of pharmaceutical fraud exposed. “These are completely falsified medicines. Nigerians must be wary do not self-medicate. Always obtain your medicines from registered pharmacies.”
He praised the Customs Service for its proactive efforts in safeguarding the country against illicit and harmful pharmaceuticals.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the CGC also visited the Port & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) and Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) Area Commands to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of the implementation of B’Odogwu. During the visit, he met with stakeholders who were undergoing training on the application’s usage at TCIP.
He explained that the visit aimed to gain firsthand insight into the operational challenges of the new digital platform while also assuring that the Service remains fully committed to resolving emerging issues and strengthening the system in the nation’s interest.
