The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have strengthened their partnership to improve investigative capacity and intensify efforts against counterfeit and substandard products threatening public health and the economy.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of FCID Annex, Lagos, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the NAFDAC Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement in Lagos, where he was received by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr Martins Iluyomade, and members of the agency’s management team.

Speaking during the visit, Akpanudom commended the existing cordial relationship between FCID Annex and NAFDAC, stressing the need for sustained collaboration, particularly in the area of capacity building and knowledge sharing.

He revealed that FCID Annex had proposed a training programme for NAFDAC officials, following a request by the agency.

According to him, a five-member team from FCID Annex, led by the Commissioner of Police, Forensic Services, DCP (Dr) Agbo, will work with NAFDAC officials to coordinate the logistics, venue and schedule for the training.

The AIG also requested that FCID personnel be included among the participants, noting that continuous learning is essential for effective law enforcement.

“There is no waste in acquiring knowledge,” he said, adding that the training would cover public health protection, forensic science, investigative techniques and strategies for combating counterfeit food, drugs, beverages, cosmetics and other regulated products.

He expressed confidence that the programme would strengthen the capacity of investigators and contribute to the creation of a safer and healthier society.

Akpanudom warned that the proliferation of fake and substandard products poses significant threats to public health, national security and economic growth.

He therefore commended NAFDAC for its commitment to protecting Nigerians and assured the agency of the Nigeria Police Force’s continued support in enforcing relevant laws and prosecuting offenders.

Responding, Iluyomade welcomed the proposed collaboration and described the training curriculum as both comprehensive and timely.

According to him, the programme aligns with NAFDAC’s strategic objectives of enhancing professionalism and improving operational effectiveness.

He disclosed that the training is expected to commence in Lagos within the next few weeks and noted that the participation of FCID personnel would enrich the programme through the exchange of investigative expertise.

Iluyomade observed that criminal networks involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit and substandard products are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making collaboration among regulatory and law enforcement agencies more critical.

He also highlighted NAFDAC’s partnerships with local and international organisations that support regulatory enforcement and capacity development, expressing confidence that the collaboration with FCID Annex would improve investigations, intelligence gathering and the successful prosecution of offenders.

The NAFDAC director further called for greater synergy between both agencies to expand databases of convicted offenders and strengthen efforts to track habitual criminals involved in the counterfeit products trade.

Also speaking, the Deputy Director of the Cosmetics Directorate, Ugwu Declan, praised the longstanding cooperation between the Nigeria Police Force and NAFDAC, particularly in investigations conducted jointly with the Special Investigation Department (SID).

He described the partnership as instrumental in combating crimes linked to counterfeit and substandard regulated products.

The visit ended on a celebratory note as NAFDAC management marked the birthday of AIG Akpanudom. In appreciation of the enduring partnership between the two institutions, the police chief presented a commemorative plaque to the Directorate, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation in the interest of national security, public health and economic prosperity.

The renewed collaboration is expected to bolster enforcement efforts against counterfeit products while enhancing the investigative and prosecutorial capabilities of both agencies.