Customs Declares Mandatory Drug Tests for All New Recruits and Serving Officers

• The Nigeria Customs Service has announced that all incoming recruits — and even serving officers — will now undergo mandatory drug testing to prevent lapses in judgment and misconduct within the service.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that all “incoming recruits” will be required to undergo a “mandatory drug test” as part of the organisation’s recruitment process.

The directive was issued by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and disclosed in a statement by the Service’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Adeniyi explained that the new policy was designed to prevent substance abuse from compromising the service’s operations and integrity.

“We designed these measures to ensure that no recruit enters the service with substance-abuse tendencies that could compromise judgment, security responsibilities, or operational integrity,” he said.

He added that while the directive is “aimed primarily at the fresh intake of recruits,” serving officers will also be included as the Service moves toward creating a “fully drug-free institution.”

According to the Customs Chief, the drug test will be administered across “every zone, command and headquarters,” reflecting the agency’s commitment to maintaining professionalism and accountability.

Mr Adeniyi noted that the decision was prompted by reports of “erratic behaviour or poor decision-making” in some commands, later linked to substance misuse.

“There will be no compromise. We are going to ensure that every new officer is tested so that we do not begin to spend Service resources rehabilitating personnel,” he warned.

DOON’T MISS: FCT Minister Wike Threatens to Take Over Properties of Ground Rent Defaulters

He stressed that officers responsible for revenue collection, enforcement, and border security must always demonstrate “sound judgment,” adding that the era of overlooking early signs of substance abuse in the ranks “is over.”

Adeniyi also encouraged all officers to prioritise their health by undergoing regular medical checks, noting that both “physical and mental fitness” remain essential for effective service delivery.