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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has signed a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of a joint effort to enhance public health security and reinforce national safety.
The event was staged during the 2024 Conference of the Comptroller-General of Customs, an influential gathering that took place at the iconic Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, and attracted high-level participation.
In a statement signed by Sayo Akintola, NAFDAC’s Resident Media Consultant, the agency emphasized that the agreement’s primary goal is to enhance the partnership between stakeholders in addressing the growing challenge of illicit pharmaceutical imports and other hazardous substances entering Nigeria.
Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs, expressed that the agreement marks the successful culmination of years of persistent dialogue and partnership between the two agencies, signaling a new phase in their collective efforts.
While highlighting the critical mandate of the Customs Service in safeguarding national security, public health, and safety, stating, Adeniyi said: “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.” Emphasizing the specific provisions of the MoU.”
Adeniyi noted 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.”
In addition, Adeniyi recounted how, on certain occasions, the Director-General of NAFDAC contacts him late at night with intelligence updates, saying, “We learn that a suspicious container may be birthing in the morning.”
He added: “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.”
Read also: NAFDAC Bemoans Prevalence Of Substandard Drugs On Sale
Speaking 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.
Adeyeye spoke of 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 said: “It is important because of you and me. 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.”
The DG further said: “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.
She stressed: “It’s not about NAFDAC. It’s not about Adeyeye or Adeniyi. It’s about saving the future of our country.”