Customs to sign MoU with Indian govt on illegal importation of tramadol

The Federal Government said that it is making plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of India, aimed at reducing the rate of illegal importation of tramadol and other controlled drugs into the Nigeria.

Hameed Ali, comptroller-general of Customs, who disclosed this while responding to questions from journalists on the importation of 40 containers of tramadol intercepted at the Apapa port on Thursday in Lagos, said that the signing of the agreement will enable Nigeria Customs to receive intelligence information on all export emanating from India, before the arrival of the consignments.

“We are talking with the ambassador of India. We are talking about fast tracking the MoU for the Customs mutual agreement which if we sign, will enable us to have timely information on all export from India to Nigeria. Once the agreement is signed, it will become mandatory on the Customs administration of India to upload all information of the export that is meant for Nigeria,” Ali disclosed.

He further said: “As at today, we have not gotten the agreement signed, so we cannot insist on anything except what they oblige. Until we get there, we are working hard and hope that very soon, we will get that instrument signed. But for now, we have to rely on our intelligence.”

Ali, who expressed concern that the 40 containers of tramadol valued at over N7.3 billion were imported from India, said the trend has become a source of concern to the Nigeria Customs Service.

The MoU has become essential as Customs in the last one week has disclosed the seizure of over 53 containers of illegally imported tramadol and other prohibited drugs.

Uzoamaka Anagor-Ewuzie