Criminal Elements Infringing on Intellectual Property Rights, Says Customs CG

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The Controller General (CG), of the Nigerian Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi has labeled those Infringing on others Intellectual property rights as criminals.

He made the assertion during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with Beiersdorf Nigeria, makers of NIVEA products. Which was held in Abuja over the weekend.

The CG who was represented by the Deputy Controller-General (DCG), Timi Bomodi highlighted the scale of the challenge, stating:“Counterfeiting is a huge market, especially for criminal elements who want to capitalise on popular products to make unearned gains. By infringing on intellectual property rights, they are not carrying out legitimate trade.

“Companies like Beiersdorf have a name to protect and are mindful of product composition, but counterfeiters don’t care and may put people’s health at risk.”Bomodi noted that the partnership would strengthen enforcement capacity and support legitimate trade.

“We want to see them grow, as it has a corollary effect on the economy, for tax, employment, and more.” he emphasised

In his remarks the Country Manager, Beiersdorf NIVEA Nigeria Ltd, Oladele Adeyple, described the collaboration as a strategic move to protect consumers and the brand’s integrity.“We are proud of our partnership with Customs because they are pivotal in helping us safeguard our intellectual property rights. When your product becomes popular, there is adulteration, and if you don’t know the difference between what is counterfeit and what is substandard, then you are risking the health of your consumers.” he said

Adeyole reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria, highlighting over five decades of operations, sustained investments, job creation initiatives, and social impact programs across the country.

Also speaking the Quality and Regulatory Manager for Central East and West Africa, Julius Itsisor,highlighted Beiersdorf’s manufacturing investment in Lagos, noting that the establishment and with its expansion of its state-of-the-art facility as a demonstration of the company’s confidence in Nigeria’s market potential.

Assistant Controller of Customs (ACGC), Oyindamola Adeyemi said:“We have learned a lot, especially regarding the proliferation of counterfeit materials that keep coming into the country. Now we are well informed about intellectual property rights and how we can curtail the proliferation of counterfeits coming into Nigeria.”

The MoU provides for cooperation in enforcement, intelligence sharing, training, and public awareness, with similar capacity-building sessions planned for Lagos and Port Harcourt.