In a move to achieve a drug-free Service, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that its new recruits will undergo mandatory drug testing as part of the ongoing recruitment exercise.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this at the closing session of the CGC’s 2025 Conference in Abuja on Friday, November 21, 2025.
CGC Adeniyi stated that the measure was designed to ensure that no recruit enters the Service with substance-abuse tendencies that could compromise judgment, security responsibilities, or operational integrity.
He explained that the new directive is aimed primarily at fresh recruits, but serving officers will also be included as the Service moves towards establishing what he described as “a fully drug-free institution.”
The CGC affirmed that mandatory drug tests would be carried out for all officers and men across all Zones, Commands, and at the Headquarters, noting that the Service would no longer tolerate situations where personnel make sensitive decisions while under the influence of drugs.
He noted that the decision was informed by experiences where erratic behaviour or poor decision-making in some Commands was 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 said.
The Customs boss warned that the era of overlooking early signs of substance abuse in the ranks was over, stressing that officers assigned to revenue collection, enforcement, and border security must possess sound judgment at all times.
He also reminded officers to prioritise their personal health and undergo regular medical checks, adding that physical and mental fitness remain essential to effective service delivery.
