Customs Introduces Mandatory Drug Tests for Recruits, Serving Officers

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has announced that all new entrants into the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will undergo mandatory drug testing as part of the ongoing recruitment exercise. Serving officers will also be included as the Service moves to establish what he described as “a fully drug-free institution.”

Adeniyi made the announcement on Friday, 21 November 2025, during the closing session of the CGC’s 2025 Conference in Abuja. He said the directive is intended to prevent individuals with substance-abuse tendencies from entering the Service, thereby protecting operational integrity, security responsibilities, and sound judgment within the ranks.

According to him, while the measure is primarily targeted at fresh recruits, the exercise will extend to personnel across all Zones, Area Commands, and the Headquarters. He stressed that the Service would no longer tolerate situations where officers make sensitive decisions while impaired.

The CGC noted that the policy was prompted by past incidents in which erratic behaviour and poor decision-making in some Commands were later traced to substance misuse.

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

He added that the era of overlooking early signs of drug use among officers was over, especially as those tasked with revenue collection, enforcement, and border security must maintain clear judgment at all times.

Adeniyi also urged officers to prioritise their personal well-being by undergoing regular medical check-ups, emphasising that both physical and mental fitness are essential for effective service delivery.