The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have committed to jointly tackle the influx of illicit pharmaceutical products and harmful substances into the country.

They made the pledge when the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, visited the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, at her office in Abuja, which culminated in inaugurating a joint implementation committee aimed at enforcing the terms of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two agencies in 2024.

The visit was a direct step forward in translating the MoU into actionable programmes, with both the Legal Adviser to the Nigeria Customs Service, Smart Akande and NAFDAC representative, OlakunleOlaniran, present to reinforce the institutional commitment behind the move.

It would be recalled that the MoU was signed on November 14, 2024, during the second day of the CGC’s Annual Conference held in Abuja, when the two agencies officially agreed to join forces against the influx of illicit pharmaceutical products and harmful substances into the country.

Speaking during the visit, Adeniyi reaffirmed the Customs’ unwavering commitment to the collaboration, noting that the constitution of the implementation committee represents the next critical step in realising the spirit and letter of the agreement.

Commending her commitment to foster collaboration, the Customs boss said: “Every time we meet, your position has always been for us to come together and deepen collaboration. This implementation committee will drive our shared vision to protect Nigerians from harmful, unregulated substances.”

Adeniyi disclosed that the terms of reference of the MoU had already been developed to guide the committee’s work, including the development of a joint work plan, coordination of communication and training programmes, harmonisation of operational standards, monitoring and evaluation, and the identification of challenges with actionable solutions.

He also expressed optimism that the committee’s work would provide measurable outcomes that benefit public health and national security, adding that the agreement remains legally binding and governed by Nigerian law, as captured in the document’s provisions.

On her part, Adeyeye expressed satisfaction with the pace of progress, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to the full implementation of the MoU. She maintained that regulatory cooperation with Customs was central to efforts to rid the country of fake, substandard, and harmful products, pledging to give the committee every support needed to succeed.

The inauguration of the committee, according to her, serves as a strong shift from dialogue to action that will strengthen national controls, improve operational synergy, and protect the health and safety of Nigerians.

The committee, which draws membership from both agencies, is chaired by OlakunleOlaniran of NAFDAC and Smart Akande the Director, Legal Services/Legal Adviser to Nigeria Customs Service as Deputy Chairman amongst other representatives from the two agencies.