Customs CG announces mandatory drug test for recruits, officers

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has concluded arrangements to subject all incoming officers and men to mandatory drug testing as part of the ongoing recruitment exercise.

Adeniyi, who disclosed this during the closing session of the CGC’s 2025 Conference in Abuja, said the measure is intended to ensure that no recruit enters the Service with substance-abuse tendencies that could compromise judgment, security responsibilities, or operational integrity.

According to him, the new directive is targeted 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.”

He explained that mandatory drug tests will be conducted for all officers and men across all Zones, Commands, and at the Headquarters, noting that the Service will no longer tolerate situations where personnel make sensitive decisions while under the influence of drugs.

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Adeniyi stated that the decision was informed by past experiences where erratic behaviour or poor decision-making in some Commands was later linked to substance misuse.

He said, “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 that the era of overlooking early signs of substance abuse within 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, stating that physical and mental fitness remain essential to effective service delivery.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE