By Tricia Ikem
Mr Frank Onyeka, the Area Controller of the Tin Can Island Port command, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says the service will continue to combat illicit and enforce compliance to protect public health and national security.
Onyeka who disclosed this to Newsmen on Friday in Lagos reassured the general public that the command will not relent in its resolve to protect Nigerians.
He said that as part of the ongoing crackdown on the importation of unwholesome products, NCS Tin Can Island Port Command has recorded another achievement in anti-smuggling drives.
He noted that some containers were confiscated during the anti-smuggling drives.
“We intercepted two units of containers with no. PONU031958/6 and MSKU711656/0, which were found to contain expired Tramadol tablets.
“These consignments were thoroughly examined and the result revealed that the first container contained 86 cartons of Vingil Tramadol BP 50mg, while the second container had 250 cartons of the same expired Tramadol product.
“The third container, with number MSKU413519/1 contained 370 cartons of expired Diclofenac Sodium BP 50mg tablets without a valid NAFDAC registration number, making the consignment illegal and dangerous for public use.”
This achievement came barely three days the command set a new benchmark in revenue generation, recording N1.61 trillion in 2025, exceeding its annual target.
“We have continued to record notable achievements in recent times through intensified cargo examination, improved intelligence gathering, and sustained enforcement operations.
“We remain proactive in intercepting prohibited and falsely declared goods, including controlled pharmaceuticals, arms and ammunition, narcotics, and other items capable of undermining public safety and economic stability.
Onyeka, however, noted that the command will equally continue to facilitate legitimate trade and contribute significantly to revenue generation, in line with the core mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
He stressed that the achievements of the command was as results of deliberate strategies anchored on discipline, integrity, and strong inter-agency collaboration.
“I wish to specially appreciate the operatives of NAFDAC for their consistent cooperation.
“Our synergy has continued to yield positive results, particularly in ensuring that fake, substandard, and expired drugs are intercepted before reaching the Nigerian populace.
“I also commend the officers and men of the Command for their resilience and commitment to duty, their efforts have continued to strengthen the credibility and operational effectiveness of the command.
“Furthermore, I express our sincere appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyl for his purposeful leadership and strategic reforms, which have empowered our operations.
Mr Kareem Taiwo Adekunle , Chief Regulatory Officer Investigation and Inspection Directorate NAFDAC, while receiving the
expired drugs described the collaboration as a strategic partnership in safeguarding public health.
He noted that NAFDAC would redouble its efforts in combating the smuggling of counterfeit and fake pharmaceuticals.
