The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has announced that all incoming recruits and serving officers will undergo mandatory drug testing, a move aimed at ensuring operational integrity, accountability, and professionalism within the Service.
The announcement was made on Friday, 21 November 2025, during the closing session of the CGC’s 2025 Conference in Abuja. Adeniyi explained that the measure is designed to prevent personnel with substance-abuse tendencies from joining or remaining in the Service, noting that such behavior could compromise judgment, security responsibilities, and overall effectiveness.
“The era of overlooking early signs of substance abuse in the ranks is over,” Adeniyi said. “We are going to ensure that every new officer is tested so that we do not begin to spend Service resources rehabilitating personnel. Officers assigned to revenue collection, enforcement, and border security must possess sound judgment at all times.”
While the directive primarily targeted new recruits, serving officers across all Zones, Commands, and Headquarters will also be subjected to the tests as part of the Service’s drive to establish a fully drug-free institution.
The CGC emphasized that the decision was informed by previous incidents where erratic behavior or poor decision-making in some Commands was later linked to substance misuse. He warned that no officer, regardless of rank, would be exempt from the new directive, signaled a zero-tolerance approach to drug use in the NCS.
Adeniyi further urged officers to prioritize personal health through regular medical checks, emphasized that both physical and mental fitness are essential to effective service delivery. He also highlighted that maintaining a drug-free workforce is critical for sustaining public confidence, operational efficiency, and the integrity of the nation’s border management.
The Nigeria Customs Service, under Adeniyi’s leadership, continue to implement reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism, discipline, and transparency, reinforcing its commitment to national security and service excellence.
