Authorities at Nigeria’s Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, a key customs hub in Lagos, intercepted two 40-foot containers packed with expired pharmaceuticals worth ₦130 million ($842,000*) in duty-paid value, underscoring heightened efforts to combat illicit trade. The seizure, announced during a press briefing by Comptroller Eghosa Edelduok, head of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the terminal, spotlighted risks to public health and stricter enforcement measures under the Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023.
The containers, labeled HLBU 1067338 and HLBU 2239792, were confiscated during routine anti-smuggling operations before being transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation. Edelduok emphasized the terminal’s “zero-tolerance” approach to smuggling, stating the seizure aligned with broader goals to safeguard citizens from hazardous products. “Our actions reflect an unwavering commitment to curbing illegal imports and prioritizing health security,” she said.
Alongside the crackdown, the terminal reported a sharp rise in revenue, generating ₦89.2 billion ($577 million) in the first half of 2025—a 63% surge compared to ₦54.8 billion ($355 million) during the same period in 2024. Edelduok attributed the ₦34.4 billion ($222 million) increase to stricter compliance, streamlined operations, and collaboration with trade stakeholders. Targeted reforms, including enhanced risk assessment systems and transparency in cargo clearance, were cited as key drivers.
While praising partnerships with agencies like the NDLEA, Edelduok reiterated the terminal’s mandate to balance trade facilitation with regulatory enforcement. “Efficiency and accountability remain central as we advance economic growth and national security,” she noted, stressing the role of stakeholder engagement in minimizing disruptions to legitimate commerce.
Public health experts warn that expired medications, often smuggled into West Africa through ports, pose severe risks, including treatment failures and antibiotic resistance. The seizure highlights ongoing challenges in regulating pharmaceutical supply chains across the region.
The Kirikiri Terminal’s dual focus—interdicting illicit goods while boosting revenue—aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic strategies to optimize port operations and curb revenue leakage. As customs authorities worldwide grapple with evolving smuggling tactics, Edelduok’s team says its success signals progress in aligning enforcement with trade modernization.
*Currency conversions based on approximate exchange rates for clarity.
