**Fighting Fake Goods: Customs CG Warns Against Intellectual Property Theft** In a bid to protect consumers and legitimate businesses, the Controller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, has described those who infringe on intellectual property rights as criminals. This stance was echoed during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony with Beiersdorf Nigeria, makers of popular NIVEA products, in Abuja last weekend. The Deputy Controller-General, Timi Bomodi, highlighted the scale of the challenge posed by counterfeiters who exploit popular products to make quick gains without regard for consumers' health or the reputation of genuine brands. He noted that companies like Beiersdorf invest heavily in ensuring the quality of their products, but counterfeiters care little for this, putting innocent lives at risk. The partnership between Beiersdorf and the Nigerian Customs Service aims to strengthen enforcement capacity and support legitimate trade. By working together, the two parties hope to prevent the proliferation of counterfeit goods in the country. For Beiersdorf, protecting its intellectual property rights is crucial to maintaining the integrity of its brand and ensuring consumer safety. Country Manager Oladele Adeyole emphasized the importance of the collaboration with Customs, highlighting the company's commitment to Nigeria over five decades of operations. Beiersdorf's investment in a state-of-the-art facility in Lagos is a testament to its confidence in Nigeria's market potential. The company has also implemented various job creation initiatives and social impact programs across the country. The MoU between Beiersdorf and the Nigerian Customs Service is a significant step towards curbing the spread of counterfeit goods in Nigeria. The partnership will enable the sharing of intelligence, training, and public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the dangers of fake goods. As Assistant Controller of Customs Oyindamola Adeyemi noted, the partnership has been enlightening, especially regarding the proliferation of counterfeit materials in the country. With this newfound knowledge, Customs officials are better equipped to tackle the issue of intellectual property theft head-on. The collaboration between Beiersdorf and the Nigerian Customs Service is a welcome development in the fight against counterfeit goods. By working together, the two parties can make a significant impact in protecting consumers and promoting legitimate trade in Nigeria.