Valentine Okafor
The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command has handed over 6 containers of falsely declared and expired pharmaceuticals and controlled products to the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), respectively.
During a press briefing at the Command on Monday, 4 November 2024, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, stated that the service owes Nigerians the duty of preventing the import and export of cargo that could undermine their well-being and security.
“These medical importations have expired, while others are not evaluated by NAFDAC and could cause damages to Nigerians if consumed. The content of these containers contravenes the provisions of Schedule 3 of the Common External Tariff(CET) and Section 233 of the NCS Act 2023. Some of the contents are unapproved dosage of tramadol, cough syrup with codeine, injections and more”, Olomu stated.
He highlighted other seizures of items ranging from used clothings, frozen poultry products, and Tramadol, valued at N1.5 billion between January to date.
While handing over the items, Olomu stated it underscores the robust inter-agency collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and sister agencies in the port.
Receiving the items, NDLEA Assistant Commander General of Narcotics Buba Wakawa attributed the seizures to the dedication and determination of officers of NCS and NDLEA.
Dr Olakunle Olaniyan, a Director of NAFDAC, commended Comptroller Olomu for collaborating with sister agencies for a safer environment.
On Revenue Generation, the Area Controller stated that the command’s collection of N1.875 trillion between January and October 2024, showing a 101 per cent increase, was achieved despite a remarkable trade volume decline.
He expressed optimism about meeting the command’s N2.2 trillion target by blocking revenue leakages and optimising weekend operations.