In a decisive move to safeguard public health, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially handed over expired pharmaceutical products valued at ₦3.77 billion to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for proper disposal.
The handover, which took place at one of the Service’s warehouses, comes after months of meticulous seizures carried out by the NCS across various entry points in the country. According to Customs officials, the drugs—mostly intercepted at seaports and land borders—were smuggled into Nigeria by unscrupulous importers who attempted to flood the market with unwholesome and expired medications.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Comptroller-General of Customs emphasized that the Service remains committed to protecting Nigerians from harmful substances. He explained that expired and counterfeit drugs pose serious risks to public health, as they can lead to treatment failures, complications, or even death. He further warned smugglers and importers of substandard goods that the Customs Service, in collaboration with other agencies, will continue to clamp down on their illegal activities.
On her part, the Director-General of NAFDAC commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vigilance and cooperation, stressing that the joint effort reflects the government’s determination to strengthen public health and consumer protection. She confirmed that the expired drugs will be destroyed in line with international best practices to ensure they do not re-enter the supply chain.
This handover is one of the largest of its kind in recent years, highlighting the scale of the problem posed by illicit drug importation. Public health experts and civil society organizations have applauded the move, describing it as a critical step toward safeguarding the lives of millions of Nigerians.
The incident also serves as a wake-up call for tighter border controls and stronger penalties against smugglers who prioritize profit over human life. Authorities have reassured the public that measures are being taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Nigeria Customs hands over ₦3.77B worth of expired drugs to #NAFDAC for destruction 🚫💊 | A major step in protecting Nigerians from harmful substances. #PublicHealth #Nigeria #Customs #ExpiredDrugs #NAFDAC
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