In a decisive move to strengthen discipline within the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi has ordered mandatory drug testing for all incoming recruits—and for serving officers across the country.
Announcing the policy at the closing session of the 2025 CGC Conference in Abuja, Adeniyi said the new requirement is now a core part of the ongoing recruitment process, intended to prevent individuals with substance-abuse tendencies from entering or remaining in the Service.
He emphasised that while the directive initially targets new intakes, all personnel—across Zones, Commands and Headquarters—will undergo compulsory screening as the Service pushes towards becoming what he described as a fully drug-free institution.
Adeniyi said the decision follows instances where compromised judgment and erratic behaviour in some Commands were traced to substance misuse. He noted that the Service will no longer tolerate situations where officers responsible for revenue collection, enforcement or border security carry out sensitive duties under the influence.
He stressed that there would be no room for compromise, warning that Customs cannot continue spending resources on rehabilitating officers who should never have been inducted.
The CG reminded personnel to prioritise their physical and mental well-being by undergoing regular medical checks, saying fitness remains essential for effective service delivery and national security.
