The Nigeria Customs Service and Unilever Nigeria Plc have joined forces to tackle the growing circulation of counterfeit goods and strengthen consumer protection across the country.
The partnership will focus on intelligence sharing, product authentication, inspections, capacity building, and other enforcement measures aimed at disrupting illicit trade.
The News Chronicle reports that counterfeit products remain a major concern in Nigeria, particularly in the beauty and personal care market, where fake products may contain harmful substances and pose serious risks to consumers.
Unilever Nigeria Managing Director, Tobi Adeniyi, said the agreement would combine the company’s expertise in product authentication with the enforcement strength of Customs.
He called it a critical demonstration of the role of partnerships between public and private entities in tackling challenges affecting businesses and consumers
Customs Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said combating counterfeiting would require the collaboration of government agencies and private sector operators.
He said the agreement would boost efforts to protect intellectual property, build consumer confidence and support legitimate businesses.
The partnership will also boost synergies at ports, border routes and supply chains while promoting fair competition and protecting government revenues.
Both organizations are expected to ramp up intelligence and enforcement activities as the war against counterfeit and illicit products intensifies.
