Unilever, Nigeria Customs Partner to Combat Counterfeiting, Strengthen Legitimate Trade

Unilever Nigeria Plc and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have teamed up to combat counterfeiting and enhance legitimate trade within the country. The strategic partnership, established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to address the growing issue of counterfeit products that pose risks to public health, undermine consumer confidence, distort competition, and diminish government revenue. Every Nigerian consumer expects the products they purchase to be safe, genuine, and of the expected quality.

Tobi Adeniyi, Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria Plc, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating that it is a crucial milestone in the fight against counterfeits. He emphasized that counterfeiting poses a serious threat to public health, businesses, and the broader economy, eroding consumer trust and creating an uneven playing field for legitimate enterprises. The partnership reflects Unilever's commitment to safeguarding consumers and maintaining the integrity of the marketplace.

Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of the NCS, expressed the organization's dedication to implementing the agreement transparently and professionally. He stressed that the fight against counterfeiting and other forms of illicit trade cannot be won by one organization alone. Partnerships like this are vital as they combine the strengths of both the public and private sectors, working towards a common goal.

Beyond protecting businesses, this collaboration also aims to bolster consumer confidence in the products they buy daily, thereby supporting economic growth and preserving the integrity of Nigeria's markets.