Beiersdorf, Nigeria, makers of NIVEA products, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to strengthen efforts against the importation and circulation of counterfeit Nivea and other products in the country.
The agreement was signed by both institutions in Abuja, during a capacity building training for NCS officers on how to identify genuine NIVEA products and detect the counterfeits.
The initiative forms part of Beiersdorf’s broader brand protection strategy aimed at safeguarding consumers, supporting legitimate trade and enforcing Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
Deputy Controller-General of NCS, Timi Bomodi, who represented the Controller General of Customs at the signing of the MOU, described counterfeiting as a major challenge and posed serious health risks.
“Counterfeiting is a huge market, especially for criminal elements who want to capitalise on popular products to make unearned gains and 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.
He noted that the partnership would strengthen enforcement capacity and support economic growth.
“We want to see them grow, as it has a corollary effect on the economy, for tax, employment, and more,” he said.
Mr Oladele Adeyole, Country Manager, Beiersdorf NIVEA Nigeria Ltd.,described the collaboration as strategic for protecting 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,” he said.
Adeyole reaffirmed the company’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria, citing over five decades of operations, investments, job creation and social impact programmes.
Mr Julius Itsisor, Quality and Regulatory Manager for Central, East and West Africa, highlighted Beiersdorf’s manufacturing investments in Lagos, including the establishment and expansion of a modern production facility.
Participants at the training commended the initiative, saying the training had enlightened them.
One of the participants, 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.”
Also speaking, Superintendent of Customs, Olukemi Ilesanmi, lauded the impact of the session.
“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.”
The MoU provides for cooperation in enforcement, intelligence sharing, training, and public awareness, with similar capacity-building sessions planned for Lagos and Port Harcourt.
The partnership marks a significant milestone in the fight against counterfeiting in Nigeria and reinforces Beiersdorf Nigeria’s commitment to consumer safety, economic growth, and fair market practices.
