The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commended the Ports and Terminal Multipurpose Services Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for a significant interception of unwholesome and unregistered drugs. The seizure included two containers of substandard antibiotics and high blood pressure medication, preventing them from entering the public space.
Official Handover and Collaboration
The seized drugs—comprising one 40-foot and one 20-foot container of unregistered antibiotics and high blood pressure drugs—were formally handed over to NAFDAC on Thursday, October 24, 2025, in Lagos.
Dr. Olakunle Olaniran, NAFDAC’s Director of Ports Inspection Directorate, praised the strong synergy between the agencies. “This is a good occasion because this consignment of substandard and falsified medicine is not allowed to enter the public space where it would have done unimaginable damage, deaths or just name it,” Dr. Olaniran stated.
He specifically thanked the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, and the PTML Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Joe Anani, for their commitment to preventing dangerous products from entering the country.
Comptroller Anani, in his remarks, emphasized Customs’ commitment to the collaboration, stating, “In line with the CGC’s mutual trust and collaboration, NAFDAC has demanded of handing over of unregistered drugs, illicit drugs, and all what not. That is what we’re doing here this morning.” He reaffirmed that the PTML Command will not allow uncertified drugs to enter the nation through its port.
Dr. Olaniran also used the occasion to advocate for increased local pharmaceutical manufacturing, noting the Federal Government’s efforts to support the industry through reduced or eliminated duties on pharmaceutical equipment and raw materials.
He highlighted NAFDAC’s “5 plus 5 policy,” which encourages importers to eventually bring manufacturing technology to Nigeria. This shift is already attracting other African countries, like Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire, to source products from Nigeria-based facilities, boosting export revenue.
In a direct appeal to the public, Dr. Olaniran cautioned citizens against the dangers of buying medications from informal sources.
”My appeal is to our people that they should please, when you want to buy medicine, patronise licensed pharmacies, where you will see pharmacists, sitting down and attending to you. Don’t patronise hawkers, or people that are going around with briefcases,” he urged.
The seized drugs, which included high blood pressure controls and antibiotics such as Amoxicillin and Chlorphenic acid, were packaged to closely resemble genuine, high-standard medicines, underscoring the risk to consumers.
