Customs Introduces Mandatory Drug Tests for Recruits, Serving Officers
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has announced a new policy making drug testing compulsory for all newly recruited and serving personnel of the Service.
Adeniyi, who disclosed this at the closing session of the CGC’s 2025 Conference in Abuja, said the initiative is part of ongoing reforms aimed at safeguarding the integrity and efficiency of Customs operations. His remarks were contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Service’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada.
According to him, the policy is designed to prevent individuals with substance abuse issues from joining the Service and to eliminate compromised decision-making among officers assigned to sensitive roles in border security, enforcement, and revenue collection.
“The Nigeria Customs Service has concluded arrangements to subject all incoming officers and men to a mandatory drug test as part of the ongoing recruitment exercise,” the statement read.
“A mandatory drug test would be carried out for all officers and men across all Zones, Commands and at the Headquarters. The Service would no longer tolerate a situation where personnel make sensitive decisions while under the influence of drugs.”
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Adeniyi noted that the exercise would begin with fresh intakes but extend to serving officers as the Service works toward becoming a “fully drug-free institution.”
He revealed that recent cases of erratic behavior and questionable decisions traced to substance misuse in some Commands informed the need for stricter measures.
“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 added.
The Customs CG also emphasised the need for personnel to prioritise regular medical checks, stressing that both physical and mental fitness are critical for effective service delivery.
The directive comes as security and law enforcement agencies face growing scrutiny over the conduct of their personnel. In recent years, agencies such as the police, immigration and correctional services have adopted random drug testing and psychological evaluations following incidents linked to substance abuse.
The Customs policy also aligns with earlier calls by the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), who urged all security and uniformed agencies to institutionalise mandatory drug tests as part of national efforts to curb drug misuse and trafficking.
Adeniyi’s renewed push is seen as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening discipline, reducing operational risks, and boosting public confidence in Customs personnel.
By PRNigeria
