ZAINAB JUNAID
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Thursday, 14 November 2024, to curb the influx of illicit pharmaceutical products and other harmful substances into the Country, thus safeguarding Nigeria’s public health and National security.
Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi described the agreement as the culmination of years of dedicated dialogue and coordination between the two agencies.
DG NAFDAC, Professor Moji Adeyeye and the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR signing MoU to safeguard National Security, Nigeria’s Public Health, at the ongoing CGC’s 2024 conference, held at Transcorp Hilton Abuja.
Speaking at the ongoing CGC’s 2024 Conference held at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the Customs Boss highlighted the critical mandate of the Customs Service in safeguarding national security, public health, and safety, stating, “What we have seen today is a culmination of efforts for several months—I must say, years—of regular consultation between the two of us. This partnership is a response to a major scourge we are facing in the country.”
He emphasized the specific provisions of the MoU, noting that Article 2 of the document outlined a comprehensive scope of collaboration, particularly in intelligence sharing, adding, “We’ll be talking about the exchange of intelligence between our agencies.
“For example, Sometimes, at midnight, NAFDAC DG sends intelligence to me, saying, “We learn that a suspicious container may be birthing in the morning, you know, this kind of real-time information flow is very critical to our joint efforts.”
DG NAFDAC, Professor Moji Adeyeye and the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR at the ongoing CGC’s 2024 conference, held at Transcorp Hilton Abuja.
Reflecting on the collaborative bond that has grown between NAFDAC and Customs personnel, CGC Adeniyi emphasised the hands-on commitment shown by officers at the nation’s ports and border stations.
He said, “When we declared a state of emergency in one of our ports, we were misunderstood, but the reports we have received indicate we are just scratching the surface of illicit pharmaceutical products entering our markets. It is time for all of us to say, collectively, that this will be the beginning of the end. We are going to save Nigeria and the future of our kids from these dangerous products”.
Earlier, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Moji Adeyeye, described the signing of the MoU as a “significant stride”, pointing out the daily impact of the products regulated by her agency on Nigerians.
She said, “It is important because of you and me,” Adeyeye explained. We consume at least two of our regulated products every day—food and healthcare items. This partnership is about ensuring that the food, drugs, and healthcare products we take are safe and of the highest quality.”
Professor Adeyeye highlighted the threats posed by unregulated and illicit products to national security, as some approved chemicals can be misused by criminals and terrorists, adding, “This is of national significance.”
She lamented, “We have ghost companies that are not on our lists. This MoU marks the beginning of the end of such practices.”
Professor Moji further expressed gratitude for the close partnership with Customs officers, affirming that the initiative transcends individuals and agencies, stressing that, “It’s not about NAFDAC; it’s not about Adeyeye or Adeniyi. It’s about saving the future of our country.”
