Customs hands over N5.8m worth of unregistered drugs to NAFDAC in Sokoto
Customs hands over N5.8m worth of unregistered drugs to NAFDAC in Sokoto
By Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has handed over seized unregistered pharmaceutical products with a Duty Paid Value of N5,804,062.06 to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Sokoto.
The handing over ceremony took place on Wednesday, 28th October, 2026 at the Command Headquarters in Sokoto.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Acting Customs Area Controller, DC H.I Abdullahi, said the seizure was made in line with existing inter-agency collaboration and the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
“Today, in line with the existing inter-agency collaboration and the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, we are formally handing over seized unregistered pharmaceutical products to officials of NAFDAC for further investigation and necessary action,” he said.
DC Abdullahi disclosed that the items were intercepted by gallant patrol teams along the Illela – Sokoto road, following credible intelligence and the commitment of officers.
Giving a breakdown of the seizures, he said they include:
360 packages of anti-cold containing 50 cards each with 4 tablets per card, 500 packages of Amodiaquine containing 25 cards each with 3 tablets per card, 140 packages of paracetamol containing 100 cards each with 10 tablets per card, and 100 packages of Quinine containing 10 cards each with 10 tablets per card.
He said the importation of the unregistered drugs contravenes Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and NAFDAC regulations, warning that such drugs pose great danger to the health of Nigerians as they are not certified for consumption.
“Let me use this opportunity to warn smugglers and those who deal in such unwholesome products, that Sokoto/Zamfara Command under my watch will not tolerate any form of smuggling.
“We remain vigilant and committed to safeguard the health of citizens and the nation’s economy,” the Controller warned.
He commended the officers who made the seizure possible for their diligence and bravery and appreciated NAFDAC for its continuous partnership.
Receiving the items on behalf of NAFDAC, the State Coordinator of NAFDAC in Sokoto, Abdeslamu Lawal, expressed appreciation to the Customs Service for the seizure and the sustained collaboration between the two agencies.
“On behalf of the Director-General of NAFDAC and the entire management of NAFDAC, under the leadership of Professor Mojisola Adeyeye,
” I want to express our sincere appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service for the wonderful collaboration we have been enjoying,” he said.
Lawal noted that the collaboration between NAFDAC and Nigeria Customs Service cannot be overemphasized, adding that it is the only way to rid the country of unwholesome products from circulation.
“We sincerely appreciate this giant effort and pray to see more of this collaboration between the two organizations. We sincerely appreciate the efforts of your men,” he added.
