Customs Seizes Expired Pharmaceutical Drugs Worth N130 Million in Lagos

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), operating under the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command, has intercepted two 40-foot containers filled with expired pharmaceutical products, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N130 million.

The interception was announced by the Customs Area Controller, KLT Command, Comptroller Eghosa Edelduok, during a press briefing in Lagos over the weekend. The disclosure was made while presenting the Command’s official performance report for the first half of 2025.

According to Comptroller Edelduok, the seized containers, identified with registration numbers HLBU 1067338 and HLBU 2239792, were intercepted by the enforcement team of the Command during routine anti-smuggling operations. She emphasized that the consignment of expired drugs contravened the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, as well as other relevant Nigerian importation laws designed to safeguard public health and safety.

“The intercepted containers, loaded with expired pharmaceutical drugs, have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and necessary action,” Edelduok confirmed.

She reiterated that the seizure reflects the Command’s zero-tolerance stance against illegal importation, stressing that protecting Nigerians from harmful goods remains a core mandate of the NCS.

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Revenue Performance in the First Half of 2025

While addressing the Command’s operational results, Comptroller Edelduok highlighted a significant revenue achievement. She reported that the KLT Command generated N89.2 billion between January and June 2025, showing a remarkable 63% increase when compared with the N54.8 billion recorded in the same period in 2024.

She explained that the difference of N34.4 billion was attributed to:

• Improved operational efficiency
• Targeted enforcement strategies
• Stronger stakeholder collaboration
• Robust compliance measures

This, according to her, demonstrates the impact of reforms and the renewed drive of the Customs Service towards boosting national revenue mobilization.

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Commitment to Public Health and National Security

Comptroller Edelduok assured that the Command will continue to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and professionalism in executing its statutory responsibilities.

She further pledged that the KLT Command will maintain close collaboration with stakeholders and partner agencies to strengthen:

• Trade facilitation
• Import compliance
• Economic growth
• Public health protection

“We remain committed to service excellence in line with the broader objectives of national security, sustainable economic growth, and the protection of public health,” Edelduok concluded.

She also expressed appreciation to stakeholders and partner agencies, noting that their cooperation is critical in ensuring that the Command continues to deliver effectively on its mandate.