Ogun Customs Strengthens Alliance with NAFDAC, Army to Combat Counterfeit Goods, Border Crimes
Kathy Kyari
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating counterfeit goods, unwholesome drugs and border security threats through strengthened collaboration with sister security and regulatory agencies.
The commitment was underscored during two high-profile strategic visits to the Command Headquarters in Idiroko by officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigerian Army's 35 Artillery Brigade.
Leading the NAFDAC delegation was Dr. Martin Iluyomade, Director of the Federal Task Force on Fake and Substandard Products, who paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Oludayo Afeni.
The visit focused on strengthening intelligence-driven operations to intercept counterfeit, substandard and expired products before they enter Nigerian markets.
Dr. Iluyomade commended the Command's anti-smuggling achievements and advocated greater real-time information sharing and coordinated enforcement efforts to safeguard public health and protect local industries.
Responding, Deputy Comptroller Afeni stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling organised smuggling networks.
"Our resolve to secure the nation's borders against illicit trade is unwavering. Strengthening our partnership with the Federal Task Force will enhance our operational efficiency and ensure importers of fake and substandard items find no safe haven within our jurisdiction," he said.
Both agencies also urged importers, licensed customs agents and residents of border communities to embrace compliant trade practices and report suspicious activities to relevant security authorities.
In a separate engagement aimed at enhancing tactical border security, the Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta, Brigadier General Friday Oguche Onu, paid an official visit to Deputy Comptroller Afeni to strengthen the security architecture across Ogun State's border corridors.
During the visit, Brigadier General Onu pledged sustained operational support and intelligence sharing with the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly the Ogun I Area Command, to combat trans-border crimes, smuggling and other emerging security threats.
"Security along our border communities requires a seamless, unified front. The 35 Artillery Brigade remains fully committed to fostering joint operations to safeguard national security and economic stability," General Onu stated.
Deputy Comptroller Afeni expressed appreciation for the Nigerian Army's continued support, noting that joint operations remain critical to suppressing illicit activities while facilitating legitimate trade across the nation's borders.
The visits concluded with the presentation of commemorative plaques, the signing of the official visitors' register and group photographs involving senior officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, NAFDAC and the 35 Artillery Brigade, underscoring their shared commitment to stronger inter-agency collaboration in securing Nigeria's borders and protecting the nation's economy.
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