The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Apapa Port has pledged to remain one step ahead of smugglers, as the fight against substandard and dangerous imports intensifies.
Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, made the assurance on Monday, during an official visit by the Director, Inspection and Enforcement Directorate at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Martin Iluyomade.
Iluyomade also serves as Chairman of the Federal Task Force on Fake, Substandard Drugs and Unwholesome Food.
Comptroller Olomu stated that despite smugglers’ evolving tactics — including the use of fake registration numbers and false declarations — the Nigeria Customs Service continues to intercept illegal consignments through a combination of intelligence and strict enforcement.
“Smugglers may change their methods, but we remain committed to staying ahead,” he said. “We are fully implementing the memorandum of understanding between the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Director General of NAFDAC, to ensure that prohibited goods, especially those affecting public health, do not make it into the country.”
Olomu also called on NAFDAC to expedite the evacuation of seized containers to reduce congestion at the port, while reaffirming that suspects connected to seized items would be apprehended and handed over with the goods.
“Targeting the human element in the smuggling chain is critical to disrupting operations and deterring future attempts,” he added. “Our officers are aligned with the CGC’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling. We cannot allow illegal drugs, unsafe foods, or arms to endanger the lives of Nigerians.”
Highlighting recent successes, Olomu pointed to the high-profile seizure of 32 containers, an operation which drew the personal attention of the Comptroller-General of Customs.
The containers were formally handed over to NAFDAC, in line with the inter-agency collaboration.
Iluyomade praised the Customs Command under Olomu’s leadership, describing the seizures as “life-saving”.
“You can kill a few people with guns, but an entire nation can fall victim to fake drugs and harmful products,” he said. “Those involved are waging a silent war against Nigerians.”