The House of Representatives Ad‑hoc Committee on Drugs and Illicit Trafficking has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as part of efforts to curb the rising menace of illicit drugs and prohibited pharmaceuticals in the country.
The Committee, led by Chairman Hon. Timehin Adelegbe, paid a courtesy visit to the NCS headquarters in Abuja, stressing that the fight against drug trafficking requires coordinated legislative reforms and improved inter‑agency cooperation. Adelegbe clarified that the visit was not investigative but aimed at fostering partnership with Customs.
“We are not here for investigation; we are here on a courtesy call to collaborate and move ahead together,” he said.
He noted that the committee had earlier conducted a public hearing attended by over 300 organisations, including NGOs and institutions, reflecting growing public concern over the widespread impact of illicit drugs. “The menace affects everyone. If it doesn’t affect you directly, it affects your family. It is a national crisis that demands collective action,” he added.
The lawmaker commended Customs for its seizures but stressed the need for harmonised operations with agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). He disclosed that the committee would review existing laws governing tobacco products, illicit cigarettes, bonded warehouses and border control operations, noting that emerging products such as vape devices were not contemplated under the current Tobacco Act.
Adelegbe also announced plans for nationwide advocacy campaigns in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and across all states to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, urging Customs to collaborate in ensuring the success of the initiative.
Responding, Deputy Comptroller‑General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, DCG Timi Bomodi, who received the Committee on behalf of Comptroller‑General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to combating illicit trade.
Bomodi revealed that in the past year alone, Customs intercepted over 230 forty‑foot containers of illegally imported pharmaceuticals, many exceeding approved limits set by NAFDAC and concealed as other goods. He also cited major cocaine seizures, including 22 parcels intercepted at Seme Command and handed over to NDLEA, as well as over 1,000 kilogrammes of cocaine seized at Lagos ports.
He explained that Customs has intensified intelligence‑driven enforcement across land borders, airports and seaports, noting the clear link between illicit drugs and criminal activity. “The activities of the Service have created a significant dent in criminal networks. As criminals evolve, we also evolve in our enforcement strategies,” he said.
Bomodi disclosed that the Service is deploying advanced scanners, establishing a special unit for drug detection and implementing specialised training for officers. He added that Customs has introduced mandatory drug testing for personnel as part of its zero‑tolerance policy and signed Memoranda of Understanding with both NDLEA and NAFDAC to strengthen inter‑agency collaboration.
“The goals of this committee are the goals of the Nigeria Customs Service. We are willing to partner fully and provide any assistance required,” he assured.
By Aaron Ossai, Abuja
