The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has stated that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has concluded plans to subject all incoming officers and men to a mandatory drug test.
The announcement, made during the closing session of the CGC’s 2025 Conference in Abuja, is part of a broader move to establish the NCS as a fully drug-free institution.
READ ALSO: Nigeria to host trade summit as Customs links mandate to AfCFTA
While the new directive is primarily aimed at the fresh intake of recruits as part of the ongoing recruitment exercise, Adeniyi confirmed that serving officers and men would also be captured.
Mandatory drug tests will be carried out for personnel across all zones, commands, and the headquarters.
He explained that the measure is designed to achieve two main objectives.
Adeniyi said it will ensure that no recruit enters the Service with substance-abuse tendencies that could compromise their judgment, security responsibilities, or operational integrity.
He added that it is intended to prevent situations where personnel make sensitive decisions while under the influence of drugs.
Adeniyi stated that the decision was informed by previous 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 stressed.
He warned that the era of overlooking early signs of substance abuse is over, emphasising that officers responsible for revenue collection, enforcement, and border security must possess sound judgment at all times.
READ ALSO: Customs, EFCC, NFIU partner to tackle money laundering, terror financing
He also reminded officers to prioritise their personal health and undergo regular medical checks, noting that physical and mental fitness is essential for effective service delivery.
