The Nigeria Customs Service has announced the seizure of contraband valued at over N921 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos.
EpeInsights gathered that the intercepted goods include unregistered pharmaceutical products, expired food items, and controlled security equipment such as drones and walkie-talkies.
Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi disclosed that the seizures were made between January and April 2025, adding that the intercepted security gadgets lacked end-user certificates from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
He explained that several containers were discovered to be carrying a mix of fake drugs, expired margarine, and falsely declared items.
Some of the seized items include 89 cartons of unregistered pharmaceutical products in container CAAU6514500, 242 cartons in container TCNU6880130, and 1,001 cartons of hydra-sildenafil citrate tablets in container MRSU3041714.
Another 40-foot container was found to contain 1,400 packages of unregistered drugs, while 805 packages in another container were falsely labeled as cosmetic powder.
Additionally, two 20-foot containers were found with expired margarine.
Customs officers also recovered 60 units of warrior drones valued at N15.9 million from container MSKU9329923 and 53 helicopter drones valued at N2.1 million from another container.
Ten professional walkie-talkies were confiscated, and a 20-foot container labeled SUDU1408819 was discovered with 500 packages of active medicine tablets not certified by NAFDAC.
During the briefing, Adeniyi also addressed the implementation of the Customs Unified Management Information System, known as B’Odogwu.
He described the pilot rollout at PTML and Tin Can Island Port as essential but acknowledged that it faced early-stage challenges. According to him, the service is engaging stakeholders and financial institutions to resolve initial setbacks.
On enforcement, Adeniyi stated that Customs has heightened surveillance at all ports and borders to counter sophisticated smuggling tactics.
He expressed concern over the influx of unregistered drugs, especially sexual enhancement products, warning that their unsupervised use poses serious public health risks.
The Comptroller-General also highlighted a growing trend in which importers disguise pharmaceuticals as general merchandise or cosmetics, and mix various restricted items in single containers, indicating a coordinated effort by criminal networks.
He pointed out that some importers are sourcing these items from countries with weak pharmaceutical export controls.
Adeniyi emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to protecting national security and the health of citizens by ensuring strict compliance with import regulations.
