The Nigeria Customs Service has launched a sweeping new policy mandating drug tests for all new recruits and existing officers, in a bold move to strengthen discipline and safeguard national security.
Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi announced the policy on Tuesday during the closing session of the 2025 CGC Conference in Abuja, describing it as a non-negotiable requirement for anyone seeking to serve in the agency. The statement was later confirmed by Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada.
Adeniyi said the measure forms a critical part of the ongoing recruitment process and is designed to keep out individuals unfit for the demanding responsibilities of border security, law enforcement, and revenue protection.
“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 stated.
He stressed that the Service can no longer risk impaired judgment among officers entrusted with frontline national duties, adding that current personnel will also undergo routine testing to maintain the highest standards of professionalism.
The tough stance signals a renewed commitment to accountability within the ranks—and a clear message that the era of lax discipline in Customs is over.
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