The House of Representatives has concluded plans to review the National Tobacco Control Act to address regulatory gaps around emerging nicotine products, particularly vape devices, as part of efforts to curb illicit drugs and harmful substances.
This followed a courtesy visit by the House Ad-hoc Committee on Drugs and Illicit Trafficking to the headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Abuja.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Timehin Adelegbe, said the existing tobacco control framework did not sufficiently contemplate new products such as electronic cigarettes and vape devices, stressing the need for legislative reforms to strengthen border controls and enforcement mechanisms.
“We must examine whether the laws are adequate. Are bonded warehouses complying with regulations? Do we have sufficient personnel at our borders? These are areas we must holistically address,” Adelegbe said.
The lawmaker clarified that the visit was not investigative but aimed at fostering collaboration between the National Assembly and Customs in tackling the proliferation of illicit drugs, prohibited pharmaceuticals and unregulated tobacco products.
He noted that the committee had earlier held a public hearing attended by over 300 organisations, including civil society groups and relevant institutions, reflecting widespread concern over the impact of drug abuse and illicit trade on families and communities.
According to him, the menace of illicit drugs and related products constitutes a national crisis requiring coordinated legislative reforms and stronger inter-agency synergy, particularly among the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Customs Service.
Adelegbe also disclosed plans for nationwide advocacy campaigns in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja, as well as across other states, to sensitise the public on the dangers of drug abuse and illicit tobacco products.
He urged Customs to actively collaborate with the committee to ensure the success of the initiative.
Responding, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Timi Bomodi, who received the delegation 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 limits approved by NAFDAC and falsely declared as other goods.
“It is only left to the imagination what damage over 200 containers of such substances would have caused if allowed into society,” he said.
He also cited major cocaine seizures, including 22 parcels intercepted at Seme Command and handed over to the NDLEA, as well as more than 1,000 kilogrammes seized at Lagos ports, some concealed in ship hulls.
According to him, the Service has intensified intelligence-driven enforcement operations across land borders, airports and seaports, deploying advanced scanners, establishing a specialised drug detection unit and enhancing training for officers.
He said Customs had introduced mandatory drug testing for its personnel as part of a zero-tolerance policy, while also signing Memoranda of Understanding with the NDLEA and NAFDAC to strengthen collaboration on drug control and pharmaceutical imports.
“The goals of this committee are the goals of the Nigeria Customs Service. We are willing to partner fully and provide any assistance required,” Bomodi assured.
