Nigerite denies cocaine importation

Sequel to the discovery and disclosure of the contraband by the Nigeria Custom Service, NCS, Nigerite, a leading building manufacturing company, has dissociated itself from the substance suspected to be cocaine that was reportedly found in one of the containers in which its imported raw materials were recently shipped from New Zealand to Lagos.

In a statement, its Marketing Research and Communications Manager, Victor Jolaoso, the company categorically said that it was not involved in the packing and containerisation of the goods, and had absolutely nothing to do with the trafficking of cocaine, which is neither a raw material requirement for its operations nor part of its production processes.

The statement stressed that Nigerite, a highly compliant company with reputable local and international shareholders, had been operating in Nigeria for over 57 years and that during this period it had complied strictly with Nigerian laws and regulations.

The company expressed its readiness to cooperate fully with the police and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (“NDLEA”) in investigating this case, asking the media to let the Police and NDLEA conduct their investigation, and expressing confidence that the outcome of the investigation will completely vindicate Nigerite.”