Beiersdorf Nigeria, makers of NIVEA skincare products, have forged a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to combat rampant counterfeiting. The pact which was signed in Abuja over the weekend, will target fake products that undermine brand integrity and endanger consumer health in Nigeria’s competitive FMCG landscape.
NCS Comptroller General, Bashir Adeniyi, described counterfeiters as “criminal elements infringing on intellectual property rights.” He stressed: “Companies like Beiersdorf have a name to protect and are mindful of product composition, but counterfeiters don’t care and may put people’s health at risk.”
The agreement promotes joint enforcement, intelligence exchange, staff training, and awareness drives to bolster legitimate trade. NCS Assistant Comptroller General, Timi Bomodi, pledged support: “We want to see them grow, as it has a corollary effect on the economy, for tax, employment, and more.” This alliance enhances regulatory muscle while fueling economic gains from trusted brands.
Beiersdorf NIVEA Nigeria Ltd’s Country Manager, Oladele Adeyole, celebrated the move: “We are proud of our partnership with Customs because they are pivotal in helping us safeguard our intellectual property rights.” He warned: “When your product becomes popular, there is adulteration, and if you don’t know the difference between what is counterfeit and what is substandard, then you are risking the health of your consumers.” This collaboration reaffirms NIVEA’s dedication to safe, genuine skincare, protecting loyal Nigerian consumers from adulterated threats.
