In a landmark effort to protect Nigeria’s public health and national security, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) formalised a strategic alliance by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
The signing took place on the second day of the Comptroller-General of Customs’ 2024 Conference in Abuja.
This historic agreement aims to reinforce collaboration in combating the influx of illicit pharmaceutical products and other harmful substances into Nigeria.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, called the MoU a culmination of years of dedicated dialogue and coordination between the two agencies.
Speaking on Customs’ crucial mandate to safeguard national security, public health, and safety, Adeniyi said, “What we have seen today is the result of efforts over several months—I must say, years—of regular consultation between the two of us. This partnership is our response to a major scourge we are facing in the country.”
Adeniyi elaborated on the MoU’s provisions, particularly its emphasis on intelligence sharing. He highlighted the importance of real-time information flow, saying, “Sometimes, at midnight, NAFDAC DG sends intelligence to me, warning that a suspicious container may be arriving in the morning. This kind of immediate information is critical to our joint efforts.”
Reflecting on the dedication of NAFDAC and Customs personnel, particularly at the nation’s ports and border stations, Adeniyi underscored the hands-on commitment shown by officers on the ground.
He said, “When we declared a state of emergency at one of our ports, some misunderstood us. However, reports show that we are only beginning to uncover the scale of illicit pharmaceutical products entering our markets. Today marks a turning point; we are committed to saving Nigeria and securing the future for our children.”
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Moji Adeyeye, described the MoU signing as a “significant stride,” noting how deeply NAFDAC-regulated products impact Nigerians’ daily lives.
“This partnership matters because of people like you and me,” she explained. “Every day, we consume at least two of our regulated products—food and healthcare items. This MoU ensures that the food, drugs, and healthcare products we use are safe and of the highest quality.”
Professor Adeyeye also emphasised the threats unregulated and illicit products pose to national security. She noted that some legally approved chemicals could be misused by criminals and terrorists, adding, “This has national significance.”
Highlighting the importance of vigilance against “ghost companies” not listed in official records, Professor Adeyeye said, “This MoU marks the beginning of the end of such practices.”
She further expressed gratitude for Customs’ support, asserting that the initiative goes beyond individuals and agencies.
“It’s not about NAFDAC, nor about Adeniyi or me,” she said. “It’s about securing the future of our country.”
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