Customs roll out compulsory drug screening for recruits, personnel

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has ordered mandatory drug screening for both new recruits and serving officers.

He issued the directive during the closing session of the 2025 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja.

He explained that the measure is part of ongoing reforms to strengthen integrity and professionalism within the Service, ensuring that no officer operates under conditions that could impair judgment or compromise national security.

Dr. Adeniyi said drug testing will now be included in the final screening stage for new recruits before training begins, while serving officers will undergo periodic tests as part of routine fitness checks.

“The new directive is aimed primarily at fresh intakes, but serving officers will also be captured as we move toward establishing a fully drug-free institution,” he said.

He added that the Service will no longer tolerate situations where sensitive operational decisions are made by personnel under the influence of substances.

He noted that previous cases of erratic behaviour in some Commands were 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.

He said the drug screening exercise will be carried out across all Zones, Commands, and the Headquarters, stressing that officers involved in revenue collection, enforcement, and border management must maintain clear judgment at all times.

Dr. Adeniyi also encouraged officers to prioritise their health through regular medical checkups, saying physical and mental fitness are essential for effective service delivery.

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