Nigeria is a leading market for all types of goods and services. This is not unconnected with the fact that it is the most populous African nation and has the 8th largest population in the world1. Nigerians have a strong appetite for popular brands and the country has been noted to be the most lucrative market in Africa. Unfortunately, this has also made products with well-known global brands susceptible to the menace of fake and infringing products.
Given the concerns raised by this menace, the importance of the role of the Nigeria Customs Service (the “Customs Service”) has never been more evident. The foregoing has necessitated a look at the current realities and the role of the Customs Service and exercise of its powers in combating counterfeits.