Abuja: Beiersdorf, Nigeria, the manufacturer of NIVEA products, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to enhance efforts against the importation and distribution of counterfeit Nivea and other products. The agreement was formalized in Abuja during a training session aimed at equipping NCS officers with the skills to identify genuine NIVEA products and detect counterfeits.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this initiative is part of Beiersdorf’s comprehensive brand protection strategy. It focuses on safeguarding consumers, supporting legitimate trade, and enforcing Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Timi Bomodi, Deputy Controller-General of NCS, who represented the Controller General of Customs at the MoU signing, emphasized that counterfeiting is a major challenge and poses serious health risks. He underscored that counterfeiters exploit popular products to gain unearned profits, infringing on intellectual property rights and engaging in illegitimate trade. Bomodi noted that the partnership aims to enhance enforcement capacity and contribute to economic growth.
Oladele Adeyole, Country Manager of Beiersdorf NIVEA Nigeria Ltd., termed the collaboration strategic for consumer protection and maintaining the brand’s integrity. He expressed pride in the partnership with Customs, which is crucial for safeguarding intellectual property rights. Adeyole reiterated the company’s longstanding commitment to Nigeria, highlighting over five decades of operations, investments, and social impact programs. Julius Itsisor, Quality and Regulatory Manager for Central, East, and West Africa, mentioned Beiersdorf’s manufacturing investments in Lagos, including the establishment and expansion of a modern production facility.
Training participants praised the initiative, noting the enlightenment gained. Assistant Controller of Customs Oyindamola Adeyemi remarked on the knowledge acquired regarding the proliferation of counterfeit materials entering the country. Superintendent of Customs, Olukemi Ilesanmi, commended the session’s impact, stating that the acquired knowledge would enable them to identify and stop counterfeit products, thereby supporting legitimate trade and fostering economic growth.
The MoU emphasizes cooperation in enforcement, intelligence sharing, training, and public awareness, with additional capacity-building sessions planned for Lagos and Port Harcourt.