Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt Area I Command, has handed over a consignment of expired pharmaceutical products with a Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) value exceeding ₦59 million to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The formal handover took place on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the command's headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following a joint cargo examination conducted by Customs officers in collaboration with NAFDAC and other relevant government agencies. The operation successfully prevented what officials described as a serious public health risk, stopping dangerous and potentially life-threatening medicines from reaching unsuspecting Nigerians through the country's pharmaceutical supply chain.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Customs Area Controller of the Port Harcourt Area I Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, said the seizure underscored the command's unwavering determination to stop harmful and prohibited pharmaceutical products from entering the Nigerian market. She disclosed that the expired drugs were intercepted during a joint cargo examination conducted by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service in collaboration with NAFDAC and other relevant government agencies. According to her, the consignment contained several cartons of expired pharmaceutical products, and she warned that allowing such expired medicines into circulation could have posed severe health consequences for millions of Nigerians. The Customs boss also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for supporting intelligence-led operations and strengthening inter-agency cooperation, which were instrumental in the successful interception.
The handover ceremony was witnessed by representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Department of State Services (DSS), other security agencies, freight forwarding associations, and industry stakeholders. The presence of these key agencies highlighted the collaborative approach adopted by the Nigeria Customs Service in tackling the menace of counterfeit and expired pharmaceutical products. This inter-agency synergy reflects the federal government's broader strategy to safeguard public health by preventing the circulation of substandard and harmful products. The event also served as a strong deterrent to importers who might consider flouting existing regulations, sending a clear message that Nigeria's ports and borders are no safe haven for smugglers and purveyors of dangerous goods.
Receiving the seized items on behalf of NAFDAC, the Deputy Director of the Port Inspection Directorate, Pharm. Adepoju Raufu, praised the Customs Service for its vigilance and professionalism in preventing the expired drugs from entering the country's pharmaceutical supply chain. He assured that the agency would immediately commence the necessary regulatory procedures to ensure the safe disposal of the expired medicaments in accordance with established laws and guidelines. This assurance is crucial, given the devastating health implications that such expired products could have on unsuspecting consumers, including treatment failure, adverse reactions, and increased mortality. The immediate disposal of these products underscores NAFDAC's commitment to its mandate of ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of all regulated products in Nigeria.
The interception of this consignment is part of a broader offensive by the Nigeria Customs Service against the importation of illicit and harmful goods. In recent months, the Service has intensified its enforcement operations across various commands, leading to the seizure of significant quantities of expired pharmaceuticals, narcotics, and other contraband items. For instance, earlier in July 2026, the Service handed over nine containers of seized narcotics, fake drugs, and expired pharmaceutical products valued at N53.39 billion to the NDLEA and NAFDAC at the Apapa Area Command. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, had then declared that Nigeria's ports would no longer be safe havens for smugglers, warning that the Service would continue to employ intelligence-led operations to protect the nation's borders.
The success of the Port Harcourt Area I Command in this operation demonstrates the effectiveness of the Customs Service's renewed focus on intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration. By working closely with NAFDAC and other regulatory bodies, the Customs Service is not only enforcing fiscal and trade policies but also playing a vital role in protecting the health and well-being of Nigerian citizens. The interception of these expired drugs is a significant victory in the ongoing fight against the influx of counterfeit and substandard pharmaceutical products, which have become a major public health concern in Nigeria. As the Customs Service continues to strengthen its enforcement capabilities, the hope is that such interceptions will become more frequent, ultimately reducing the prevalence of harmful products in the market and ensuring that Nigerians have access to safe and effective medicines.
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