- Customs Boss Orders Mandatory Drug Test For All Recruits, Serving Officers
- Adeniyi says the measure tackles substance related lapses in sensitive operations.
Service aims to strengthen discipline, health and national security across all Commands.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has directed compulsory drug screening for all new recruits and serving officers as part of an extensive reform aimed at strengthening discipline, professionalism and national security within the Service.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Adeniyi announced the directive during the closing session of the 2025 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja. He said the new measure has become necessary to eliminate substance-related lapses that could compromise critical Customs operations, including enforcement, revenue collection and border security.
He explained that drug screening will now form a mandatory part of the final recruitment stages before candidates proceed to formal training, adding that periodic tests will also be introduced for serving officers.
“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 stated.
Adeniyi stressed that the Service will not tolerate situations where officers undertake sensitive duties while under the influence of drugs. He revealed that some past cases of erratic behaviour recorded in certain 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 added that the screenings will be conducted across all Zones, Commands and the Service Headquarters as part of a wider effort to ensure that personnel handling border enforcement and anti-smuggling duties maintain sound judgment.
Adeniyi also encouraged officers to take their health seriously by undergoing regular medical checks, noting that physical and mental fitness remain crucial for effective service delivery and national security.
He reaffirmed that the reforms will ensure that only mentally stable and physically fit officers are assigned to strategic Customs responsibilities.
