Customs, NAFDAC Inaugurate Joint Committee for 2024 MoU Implementation

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), have inaugurated joint Committee for the implementation of the strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)signed by the two agencies in 2024.

The joint Committee was inaugurated during an official visit by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, to the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, at her office in Abuja.

The visit, which took place on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, was a direct step to implementing the MoU, with both the Legal Adviser to the Nigeria Customs Service, Smart Akande and NAFDAC representative, Olakunle Olaniran, present to reinforce the institutional commitment behind the move.

Recall that the MoU was signed on 14 November 2024, during the second day of the CGC’s Annual Conference held in Abuja, when the two agencies officially agreed to join forces against the influx of illicit pharmaceutical products and harmful substances into the country.

Speaking during the visit, CGC Adeniyi reaffirmed the Service’s unwavering commitment to the collaboration, noting that the constitution of the Implementation Committee represents the next critical step in realising the spirit and letter of the agreement.

Commending her commitment to foster collaboration, the Customs Boss said, “Every time we meet, your position has always been for us to come together and deepen collaboration. This implementation committee will drive our shared vision to protect Nigerians from harmful, unregulated substances”.

CGC Adeniyi further disclosed that, the Terms of Reference of the MoU had already been developed to guide the committee’s work, including the development of a joint work plan, coordination of communication and training programmes, harmonisation of operational standards, monitoring and evaluation, and the identification of challenges with actionable solutions.

He also expressed optimism that the committee’s work would provide measurable outcomes that benefit public health and national security, adding that the agreement remains legally binding and governed by Nigerian law, as captured in the document’s provisions.

On her part, Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Adeyeye, expressed satisfaction with the pace of progress, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to the full implementation of the MoU.

She maintained that regulatory cooperation with Customs was central to efforts to rid the country of fake, substandard, and harmful products, and pledged to give the committee every support needed to succeed.

The inauguration of the committee, according to her, serves as a strong shift from dialogue to action that will strengthen national controls, improve operational synergy, and protect the health and safety of Nigerians.

The committee, which draws membership from both agencies, is chaired by Olakunle Olaniran of NAFDAC and Smart Akande the Director Legal Services/Legal Adviser to Nigeria Customs Service as Deputy Chairman amongst other representatives from the two agencies.