The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their cooperation in tackling the influx of illicit pharmaceuticals and other harmful substances into the country.

The agreement was formalized on Thursday at the office of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) in Abuja. Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of NCS, described the MoU as a milestone stemming from years of collaboration and dialogue between the two agencies.

“This partnership addresses a major scourge in the country,” Adeniyi remarked. “There are times when, even at midnight, NAFDAC’s DG sends intelligence about suspicious containers due to arrive. Such real-time information flow is vital. This marks the beginning of the end of these dangerous products. Together, we will safeguard Nigeria’s future and the well-being of our children.”

Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s Director-General, emphasized the MoU’s significance, noting the impact of the agency’s regulated products on daily life in Nigeria. “Nigerians consume at least two of our regulated products daily—food and healthcare items,” Adeyeye said. “This partnership ensures that these products meet the highest safety and quality standards.”

Adeyeye highlighted the threats posed by unregulated products, which can compromise public health and national security. She expressed concern about ghost companies evading regulatory oversight and the potential misuse of approved chemicals for criminal activities.

“This MoU is a turning point in eliminating such practices,” she stated.  The MoU outlines an extensive framework for collaboration, particularly in intelligence sharing, and represents a unified effort to protect public health, ensure food and drug safety, and enhance national security. Both agencies reiterated their commitment to this shared goal, declaring it a significant step in safeguarding the well-being of all Nigerians.