The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Tuesday handed over expired pharmaceutical merchandise valued at N3.77 billion to the Nationwide Company for Meals and Drug Administration and Management (NAFDAC).
The disclosure was made in Lagos by Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, the Public Relations Officer of the command.
He acknowledged that the handover occurred on August 25 throughout a go to to FOU Zone ‘A’ by NAFDAC’s new Director of Enforcement and Investigation, Dr. Martin Iluyomade.
The Controller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Mohammed Shu’aibu, reaffirmed the Service’s dedication to upholding the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between NCS and NAFDAC.
This, he described as a milestone in Nigeria’s combat in opposition to faux and counterfeit merchandise.
“What we’re witnessing right this moment is a follow-up to the MoU between the 2 companies.
“This MoU emphasizes the significance of collaboration amongst regulatory and safety companies to repeatedly thwart the smuggling and importation of dangerous consignments,” he mentioned.
Shu’aibu disclosed that three vehicles loaded with varied expired pharmaceutical merchandise have been handed over. The gadgets, packed in sacks and cartons, included Hyergra, Royal Tablets 225, CSC Codine Syrup, Actually Extral, Tramadol, Amlodipine, Milk Oil Flavour, and Firegra, amongst others.
“The big selection of those merchandise poses severe dangers to public well being if not correctly regulated. The Responsibility Paid Worth (DPV) of the expired prescription drugs stands at N3.77 billion,” he added.
He burdened that the Service remained dedicated to making sure the protection and efficacy of medicines in Nigeria and that expired merchandise could be dealt with with utmost seriousness.
Based on him, the handover will not be a one-off occasion, as extra consignments shall be transferred to NAFDAC after ongoing investigations.
He additional assured Nigerians that Customs would proceed to prioritise public well being by stopping expired and counterfeit medication from circulating in markets.
Receiving the consignments on behalf of the NAFDAC Director-Normal, Iluyomade counseled the NCS for its unwavering dedication to the MoU, describing the collaboration as a strategic partnership in safeguarding public well being.
He famous that NAFDAC would redouble its efforts in combating the smuggling of counterfeit and faux prescription drugs.
