CG Adeniyi Says Pharmaceutical Products must now be processed only at Seaports.
Bisi Akingbade
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has announced the ban on the clearance of pharmaceutical products through bonded terminals, that such consignments must now be processed only at the seaports.
The CGC made this announcement during a press briefing at APMT Examination Bay, Apapa Port, Lagos said importers’ concerns have the right to choose their preferred clearance locations, however, recent regulatory violations necessitated the ban.
He highlighted the sensitive nature of pharmaceutical imports and the alarming abuses observed in their handling.
Comptroller Adeniyi said that the seizures were the result of intelligence-driven operations conducted across Nigerian ports, with enhanced deployment of non-intrusive inspection technologies such as scanners.
"One of the seized containers was a 40-foot container (MRSU6407089), initially cleared but later re-examined jointly by Customs and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
"The second inspection uncovered: 101kg of “Colorado Loud”, a potent Canadian strain of cannabis, two fully operational rifles, 25 cartridges, A Smith & Wesson pistol with 55 rounds of ammunition, Additional weapon accessories
"The container’s consignee, a Lagos-based individual, is currently under investigation.
The operation also led to the interception of: 7 containers of expired and prohibited drugs, 3 containers of expired food items, including margarine, 3 containers of banned used clothing, 2 containers of unregistered expired tablets, Multiple containers of frozen poultry (1,290 and 1,296 sacks respectively), and 305 cartons of counterfeit toothpaste infringing on a Nigerian brand and lacking NAFDAC registration
"Authorities have arrested five suspects: three have been charged and remanded in prison, two are on administrative bail pending court appearances.
"Two additional 40-foot containers, linked to earlier seizures and tracked over time, were intercepted upon arrival. Investigators believe these are part of a coordinated smuggling network.
He said Nigeria Customs Service has pledged continued collaboration with NAFDAC, NDLEA, and international customs organizations to dismantle the syndicates behind the illicit trade.
