In a major victory for public health and safety, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over a massive consignment of expired pharmaceutical products valued at over ₦3.8 billion to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The high-profile handover, which took place at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos, underscores the government’s ongoing war against counterfeit and substandard drugs circulating in Nigeria’s markets.
Details of the Handover
According to Customs authorities, the operation was part of their intensified efforts to clamp down on criminal networks that smuggle harmful medicines into the country. The seized drugs, which were intercepted through intelligence-driven operations, filled three trucks and were officially handed over to NAFDAC on August 25, 2025.
The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the consignment is estimated between ₦3.77 billion and ₦3.8 billion, marking it as one of the largest single seizures of expired pharmaceuticals in recent years. The cartons and sacks contained a mix of dangerous substances, including Hyergra, Royal Tablets 225, CSC Codeine Syrup, Really Extral, Tramadol, Amlodipine, Milk Oil Flavour, and Firegra, among others.
Customs officials noted that many of these drugs are often targeted at unsuspecting consumers due to their low prices, making them a significant risk to public health.
A Strong Message Against Illegal Drug Trade
Speaking during the handover ceremony, a senior official of the Customs Service emphasized that the operation was a clear warning to drug traffickers and smugglers who exploit weak entry points and porous borders to distribute dangerous medicines in Nigeria.
He highlighted that this seizure reflects Customs’ resolve to safeguard Nigerians, especially vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and elderly citizens, who may unknowingly consume expired or counterfeit medications.
“This handover is a testament to our commitment to protecting lives. The illegal trade in expired or counterfeit medicines is a grave threat to national health security, and we will continue to tighten controls at all ports, borders, and checkpoints,” the Customs official said.
NAFDAC Commends Customs, Promises Strict Enforcement
Representing NAFDAC at the handover was Dr. Martin Iluyomade, Director of Enforcement and Investigation, who praised the Customs Service for its vigilance and strong enforcement culture. He reiterated that NAFDAC is fully committed to ensuring that all seized drugs are properly investigated, tracked, and destroyed in line with global best practices.
Iluyomade stressed that counterfeit and expired drugs pose a significant danger to Nigerians, often leading to treatment failures, drug resistance, and sometimes death. He assured the public that NAFDAC would intensify its nationwide campaigns, market surveillance, and crackdowns on fake drug cartels.
“Expired or counterfeit medicines are silent killers. This partnership between Customs and NAFDAC is a crucial step in cutting off the supply chain and ensuring that Nigerians are not exposed to harmful substances. We will continue to prosecute offenders and shut down illegal operations wherever they exist,” Iluyomade stated.
Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration
The handover reflects the success of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NCS and NAFDAC, which aims to strengthen coordination in identifying, seizing, and destroying unwholesome pharmaceutical products. Both agencies have pledged to improve intelligence-sharing, border surveillance, and port monitoring to ensure such products do not find their way into the Nigerian market.
Officials emphasized that these joint operations have already led to several high-profile seizures in 2025, with this latest incident serving as proof of what coordinated efforts can achieve.
Nigeria’s Fight Against Fake and Expired Drugs
Nigeria has long battled the menace of fake and expired drugs, which not only endanger public health but also undermine confidence in the healthcare system. Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that substandard and falsified medical products are a global issue, but the impact is particularly severe in developing countries like Nigeria, where regulatory gaps and porous borders create opportunities for smugglers.
Over the years, NAFDAC has implemented various measures, including product authentication codes, stricter licensing regulations, and periodic market raids. However, the agency has consistently called for better border security and inter-agency cooperation to tackle the sophisticated syndicates behind the trade.
The recent seizure demonstrates that progress is being made. Both NAFDAC and Customs have committed to not only destroying the drugs but also tracking their supply chains to apprehend those responsible for bringing them into the country.
Protecting Consumers
This case serves as a reminder for Nigerians to remain vigilant when purchasing medications. Experts advise consumers to buy drugs only from licensed pharmacies, check expiry dates, and look for NAFDAC registration numbers on all medicines.
With counterfeiters becoming more sophisticated, NAFDAC has also urged Nigerians to make use of its verification platforms, including SMS authentication codes on drug packs, to confirm product authenticity.
Looking Ahead
The ₦3.8 billion seizure is expected to act as a strong deterrent to smugglers and counterfeit drug networks, sending a clear message that regulatory agencies are tightening their grip on illegal pharmaceutical trade.
For Customs, the operation highlights the importance of intelligence-led border security, while for NAFDAC, it reaffirms its role as a watchdog for public health. Both agencies have promised that the drugs will be destroyed in an environmentally safe manner, ensuring they never reach consumers.
As Nigeria continues to face complex health and security challenges, the collaboration between Customs and NAFDAC offers hope that coordinated action can help curb the menace of substandard medicines. This latest crackdown marks another significant step in safeguarding the health of millions of Nigerians and restoring confidence in the nation’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
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