The federal government said actions are underway to checkmate importation of illicit, banned and regulated drugs into Nigeria, as it would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India.
A total of 51 containers of the drugs were intercepted at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports last week.
The comptroller – general of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col Handed Ali (rtd) made this known over the weekend during the inspection of 40 containers of Tramadol which were intercepted at the Apapa ports command, he said the Service has begun discussions with the India government.
The Customs boss noted that already, discussions were in top gear with the ambassador of India in Nigeria to see how both countries can have a mutual understanding that would enable the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to have foreknowledge of every import from India into Nigeria.
Ali said, “Interestingly, last week, I was with the ambassador of India and we were talking about fast-tracking the MoU for the Customs mutual agreement. If we sign this, it would enable us to have timely information on all export or import to Nigeria and vice versa. As of today, we haven’t gotten that agreement signed, so we cannot insist on anything except what they oblige us.”
Ali assured that once the agreement was signed, it becomes mandatory on the Customs administration of India to provide information on export meant for Nigeria.
“We are working hard and very soon we would get that agreement signed, but for now we have to rely on our intelligence,” he said.
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