Customs, NAFDAC Inaugurate Implementation Committee to Enforce 2024 MoU Against Illicit Pharmaceuticals

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have officially inaugurated a joint Implementation Committee to enforce the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two agencies in 2024.

The inauguration, which took place on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, at NAFDAC Headquarters in Abuja, was formalised during a courtesy visit by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, to the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.

The high-level engagement was attended by key officials, including Smart Akande, Director of Legal Services and Legal Adviser to the NCS, and Olakunle Olaniran of NAFDAC, who both play pivotal roles in the committee.

The MoU, initially signed on 14 November 2024 during the second day of the Comptroller-General’s Annual Conference, marked a renewed commitment by both agencies to combat the influx of counterfeit and harmful pharmaceutical products and chemicals into Nigeria.

With the inauguration of the Implementation Committee, the partnership is set to transition from policy formulation to practical execution.

CGC Adeniyi emphasised the importance of the new committee in translating the MoU’s intent into measurable action. He noted that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding public health and national security.

“Every time we meet, your position has always been for us to come together and deepen collaboration,” CGC Adeniyi said, addressing Prof. Adeyeye. “This implementation committee will drive our shared vision to protect Nigerians from harmful, unregulated substances.”

According to him, the Terms of Reference guiding the committee have already been developed. These include creating a joint work plan, harmonising operational procedures, coordinating training programmes, developing a unified communication strategy, identifying challenges, and formulating actionable solutions.

Adeniyi further reiterated that the MoU remains legally binding under Nigerian law and expressed confidence that the committee’s work would deliver tangible results beneficial to both agencies and the nation.

Responding, NAFDAC DG Prof. Adeyeye expressed her satisfaction with the progress made since the agreement was signed and affirmed the agency’s full commitment to its implementation. She described the partnership with Customs as critical in the fight against substandard, counterfeit, and dangerous products.

“This inauguration marks a bold shift from mere dialogue to decisive action. It will improve synergy between our agencies and strengthen national controls that protect the health and safety of Nigerians,” she said.

The newly formed Implementation Committee is chaired by Olakunle Olaniran of NAFDAC, with Smart Akande of the Nigeria Customs Service serving as Deputy Chairman.

Other members are drawn from both agencies, underscoring a strong institutional partnership aimed at enhancing regulatory enforcement and border protection.

With this latest development, both NCS and NAFDAC have reaffirmed their collective resolve to close regulatory gaps, prevent the entry of harmful substances into the country, and ensure the wellbeing of citizens through coordinated and sustained action.