Morganable politics/Governance
The Customs boss added that the Service had a history of supporting the award and would continue to explore lawful avenues to strengthen the partnership going forward
kaNo —
The Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Nigerian National Merit Award, describing it as a critical institution for promoting intellectual excellence and national development.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known during a courtesy visit by the Acting Secretary of the Nigerian National Merit Award, Mercy Musa, and members of the award’s management team to the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Service on Sunday.
Adeniyi emphasised that institutions that recognise and reward outstanding achievements play a vital role in shaping the future of the country, particularly by inspiring younger generations to pursue excellence through hard work and dedication.
He noted that the Nigerian National Merit Award remains a unique platform that celebrates individuals who have made exceptional contributions to national development through scholarship, research, innovation and professional accomplishments.
“What we are doing is so important because we want the younger generations of Nigerians to know that there is no shortcut to greatness” Adeniyi said
” They have to put in hard work and commitment. When a government agency recognises discoveries, innovations and excellence, it deserves the support of all Nigerians,” he added
The Customs boss added that the Service had a history of supporting the award and would continue to explore lawful avenues to strengthen the partnership going forward.
“The Service had supported the Award Office in the past and would explore available lawful avenues to provide further opportunities to support the agency’s operations as partners,” he said.
It recognises Nigerians whose work has had a significant impact on national development, often across fields such as science, medicine, engineering, humanities and other professional disciplines.
Speaking during the visit, Musa congratulated Adeniyi on the extension of his tenure as Comptroller-General and his recent election as Chairman of the World Customs Organisation Council.
She described both achievements as a reflection of his dedication, professionalism and commitment to public service.
She also highlighted the exclusivity and prestige of the National Merit Award, noting that only 79 Nigerians have received the honour since its establishment over four decades ago.
According to her, the rigorous selection process ensures that only individuals with outstanding and verifiable contributions are recognised.
Adeniyi’s pledge comes amid efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service to expand its engagement with institutions involved in national development beyond its statutory responsibilities of revenue generation, trade facilitation and border security.
In recent years, the Service has intensified collaborations with public institutions, international organisations and private sector stakeholders as part of broader efforts to enhance governance, institutional capacity and sustainable development initiatives.
Custom Intercepts Containers Of Expired Drugs
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service has also recorded a major breakthrough in its enforcement operations with the interception of nine containers of imported expired pharmaceutical products, narcotic drugs and medicines bearing fake National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control labels, valued at N53.4bn, at the Apapa Port in Lagos.
Displaying the seized items to journalists, Adeniyi said the interceptions were made possible through intelligence gathering, scanning analysis, physical examination and close collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
He detailed that the seizures included 3,639 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, popularly known as Canadian Loud, weighing 1,819.5 kilogrammes. The drugs were concealed alongside three imported vehicles and assorted automobile spare parts in a 40-foot container.
The Service also intercepted 1,700 cartons containing 170,000 bottles of codeine syrup concealed with insulated casserole dishes, as well as 1,300 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products, including tramadol, in separate containers.
Further seizures included 1,269 cartons of expired pharmaceutical products such as Oxytocin injections, Mexclor eye drops and Carbamazepine tablets, as well as additional expired medicines like Cloxicillin capsules, vitamin B12 injections and B-complex injections found in other containers.
Adeniyi added that a 20-foot container was found to contain Piccan Teething Powder, while another 40-foot container held 1,100 packages of Chlorpheniramine Maleate Capsules bearing a fake NAFDAC registration number and a misleading expiry date of December 2028.
He explained that although the consignments initially appeared legitimate, a detailed verification of the accompanying NAFDAC certificates revealed that the products were not registered.
Consequently, the items were seized in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and would be handed over to NAFDAC for further investigation and regulatory action.
“The use of a fake registration number and supporting documentation clearly indicates a deliberate attempt to smuggle unregistered pharmaceutical products into the Nigerian market, thereby posing a serious risk to public health,” Adeniyi said.
He stressed that the significance of the seizures extended beyond their monetary value, noting that they represented lives saved and communities protected from the harmful effects of drug abuse and unsafe medicines.
According to him, the interception of the illicit consignments has prevented potentially dangerous substances from reaching consumers, particularly vulnerable populations.
Customs CG Warns Against Importation Of Expired Drugs
Adeniyi warned that the importation of expired medicines and controlled substances remains a serious threat to public health and national security, adding that criminal networks are increasingly adopting sophisticated methods to evade detection and exploit legitimate trade channels.
He assured that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to strengthen its surveillance systems, intelligence capabilities and inter-agency collaborations to combat smuggling and safeguard the health and safety of Nigerians.
