Customs Seizes Expired Drugs Valued at N130 Million in Lagos

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

Comptroller Eghosa Edelduok, Customs Area Controller of the KLT Command, disclosed this during a media briefing in Lagos over the weekend while presenting the Command’s performance report for the first half of 2025.

According to Edelduok, the containers—identified by numbers HLBU 1067338 and HLBU 2239792—were seized by the Command’s enforcement team as part of intensified anti-smuggling operations. She noted that the seized cargo violated provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, along with other import regulations.

“The intercepted containers, loaded with expired pharmaceutical drugs, have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action,” she said. “This demonstrates the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on infractions and our commitment to safeguarding public health.”

Revenue Surge in First Half of 2025

On the Command’s revenue performance, Comptroller Edelduok revealed that the KLT Command generated N89.2 billion between January and June 2025—a significant 63% increase from the N54.8 billion recorded during the same period in 2024.

“The N34.4 billion increase reflects our improved operational efficiency and higher compliance levels,” she stated.

Edelduok attributed the revenue growth to targeted reforms, strategic enforcement initiatives, and enhanced stakeholder collaboration, all of which contributed to better compliance and stronger revenue mobilization.

She reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and accountability in carrying out its statutory duties. According to her, KLT will continue to work closely with stakeholders and partner agencies to strengthen trade facilitation, enforcement, and national economic development.

“We remain fully committed to upholding service excellence in line with national goals for economic growth, public health protection, and security,” she said.

The Comptroller also praised stakeholders and partner agencies for their continued cooperation, describing their support as vital to the successful execution of the Command’s mandate.