The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 13 containers filled with prohibited and falsely declared goods at the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa. Authorities say the items are worth more than ₦6.81 billion, making it one of the major seizures recorded at the port recently.

The operation highlights the continued fight against smuggling and illegal imports entering Nigeria through one of the country’s busiest trade gateways.

What Customs found in the containers

According to Customs officials, the containers contained a mix of expired pharmaceuticals, unregistered medicines, and other restricted goods that should not have entered the Nigerian market.

Items recovered during the operation include:

Expired pharmaceutical products

Unregistered drugs

Codeine-based medicines

Expired food and beverages

Restricted security equipment

Authorities say many of the items were falsely declared, a tactic often used by smugglers to bypass inspection and avoid detection.

Why the seizure matters

Beyond revenue losses, the seizure raises serious public health concerns. Expired drugs and unregistered medicines can be dangerous if they reach consumers.

Officials warned that such products can cause severe health complications because they are not approved or properly regulated for use in Nigeria.

The Customs Service said preventing these goods from entering the market is part of its responsibility to protect both public safety and the country’s economy.

Leadership behind the operation

The seizure was carried out under the leadership of Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service.

He stated that the agency is strengthening enforcement measures at major ports, particularly at the Lagos Port Complex.

According to him, the port will no longer serve as a safe entry point for smugglers attempting to move illegal goods into the country.

Possible legal action

Customs officials say investigations are ongoing and that those connected to the illegal shipments could face prosecution.

Authorities believe that strong legal action will help discourage similar attempts in the future.

A warning to importers

The seizure also sends a clear message to importers and logistics operators.

Customs says it is increasing surveillance, improving cargo documentation checks, and carrying out more risk-based inspections to detect illegal shipments.

For businesses operating through Apapa Port, the development is a reminder that compliance with import regulations is critical.

More enforcement actions are likely as Customs continues to tighten port monitoring, stronger cargo inspection, and improved verification of import documents

tougher penalties for false declarations

As Nigeria’s busiest port, Apapa remains a major gateway for international trade. Authorities say stronger enforcement is necessary to protect consumers, secure government revenue, and maintain the integrity of the country’s supply chain.