The initiative is part of Beiersdorf’s broader brand protection strategy, aimed at safeguarding consumers, supporting legitimate trade, and enforcing Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
Speaking at the signing, Deputy Controller-General of Customs, Timi Bomodi, highlighted the serious economic and health risks posed by counterfeiting.
“Counterfeiting is a huge market, especially for criminal elements who want to capitalise on popular products to make unearned gains. By infringing on intellectual property rights, they are not carrying out legitimate trade. 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,” he said.
Bomodi emphasized that the partnership would enhance enforcement capabilities and positively impact economic growth.
“We want to see legitimate businesses grow, as it has a corollary effect on the economy — for tax, employment, and more,” he added.
Oladele Adeyole, Country Manager of Beiersdorf NIVEA Nigeria, described the MoU as a strategic collaboration crucial for protecting both consumers and the brand’s integrity.
“We are proud of our partnership with Customs because they are pivotal in helping us safeguard our intellectual property rights. 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,” Adeyole stated.
He reiterated Beiersdorf’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria, highlighting over five decades of operations, investments, job creation, and social impact programmes.
Julius Itsisor, Quality and Regulatory Manager for Central, East, and West Africa, noted the company’s significant manufacturing investments in Lagos, including the establishment and expansion of a modern production facility.
Participants at the training lauded the initiative for enhancing their knowledge of counterfeiting and intellectual property rights. Assistant Controller of Customs, Oyindamola Adeyemi, said:
“We have learned a lot, especially regarding the proliferation of counterfeit materials that keep coming into the country. Now we are well informed about intellectual property rights and how we can curtail the proliferation of counterfeits coming into Nigeria.”
Superintendent of Customs, Olukemi Ilesanmi, also commended the session’s impact:
“The knowledge acquired has allowed us to identify counterfeit products, which will enable us to stop them from entering the market and support legitimate trade. Facilitating trade helps Nigeria move forward with more employment and economic growth.”
Under the MoU, Beiersdorf Nigeria and the Customs Service will cooperate in enforcement, intelligence sharing, training, and public awareness campaigns, with further capacity-building sessions planned for Lagos and Port Harcourt.
The partnership represents a key milestone in the fight against counterfeiting in Nigeria and underscores Beiersdorf Nigeria’s commitment to consumer safety, fair market practices, and economic development.