FCID ANNEX LAGOS, NAFDAC STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP TO ENHANCE INVESTIGATIVE CAPACITY AND PUBLIC HEALTH PROTECTION | Blissful Affairs Online
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom psc fdc mspsp MNIM FCAI, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening inter-agency collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in the fight against counterfeit and substandard regulated products.
The AIG made this known during a courtesy visit to the NAFDAC Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement, Lagos, where he was warmly received by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, fsi, alongside members of the Directorate’s management team.
In his remarks, AIG Akpanudom expressed appreciation to Dr. Iluyomade and his team for the warm reception and commended the cordial working relationship existing between FCID Annex and NAFDAC. He emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration, particularly in the area of capacity building, noting that knowledge-sharing remains critical in tackling emerging crimes.
The AIG shared a proposed programme of activities for training of NAFDAC officials by a five-member team of FCID Annex, Lagos personnel as earlier requested by the Director. The members of the headed by DCP (Dr) Agbo, the CP Forensic, were to collaborate with the team from NAFDAC and jointly plan/coordinate the logistics, venue and timing for a forthcoming training programme. He also appealed for officers of the FCID Annex to be included among the participants, stressing that “there is no waste in acquiring knowledge.”
He noted that the proposed training, which covers public health protection, forensics, investigative techniques, and the fight against counterfeit food, drugs, beverages, cosmetics, and other regulated products, would significantly enhance the capacity of investigators while contributing to a safer and healthier society.
According to the AIG, the proliferation of fake and substandard food products and beverages poses a serious threat to public health, national security, and the nation’s economy. He therefore commended NAFDAC for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerians and assured the Agency of the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force in enforcing relevant laws and prosecuting offenders.
Responding, the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, fsi, appreciated the AIG and his leadership team for the visit and welcomed the proposed collaboration. He described the training curriculum as comprehensive and timely, noting that it aligns with NAFDAC’s strategic objectives of strengthening professionalism and expanding operational effectiveness.
Dr. Iluyomade disclosed that the training is scheduled to commence within the next few weeks in Lagos and stated that the inclusion of FCID personnel would further enrich the programme through the sharing of investigative expertise. He added that criminal networks involved in the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit and substandard regulated products continue to evolve, making collaboration among law enforcement and regulatory agencies more important than ever.
He further revealed that NAFDAC continues to enjoy the support of several local and international partners who are committed to strengthening regulatory enforcement and capacity development. He expressed confidence that the partnership with FCID Annex would significantly improve investigations, intelligence sharing, and the successful prosecution of offenders. He further sought synergy to expand the database of convicts in the tracking of habitual offenders.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director, Cosmetics Directorate, Mr. Ugwu Declan, thanked the AIG for his consistent support and cooperation with NAFDAC officials, particularly in investigations handled jointly with the Special Investigation Department (SID). He commended the excellent synergy between the Nigeria Police Force and NAFDAC, describing it as instrumental in combating crimes associated with counterfeit and substandard regulated products.
The meeting concluded on a celebratory note as the management of NAFDAC marked the birthday of AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom. In appreciation of the enduring partnership between both institutions, the AIG presented a commemorative plaque to the Directorate, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation in the collective interest of national security, public health, and economic prosperity.
E-signed
ASP Mayegun Aminat, ANIPR, MNISMA
Police Public Relations Officer
For: The Assistant Inspector-General of Police
Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex , Lagos.
6 August 2026
