Abuja, Nigeria — Stakeholders across the security and civil society sectors have expressed mixed reactions to the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) recent directive mandating compulsory drug testing for incoming recruits and serving officers.
The directive, announced by Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi, requires that all new recruits and serving personnel of the NCS undergo mandatory screening as part of ongoing recruitment and internal reforms. The policy is aimed at preventing substance misuse and strengthening operational integrity within the service. (NEWSVERGE)
While some observers have applauded the move as a positive step towards professionalising the service and enhancing institutional accountability, others have cautioned that attention must also be paid to personnel welfare and implementation fairness.
A customs expert, Dr. Eugene Nweke, noted that the policy reflects proactive leadership and aligns with global best practices for enforcement and border-management institutions. Dr. Nweke emphasized that officers entrusted with sensitive responsibilities need to maintain mental, physical and ethical alertness at all times. He added that the success of the directive will depend on transparent testing protocols and independent oversight to uphold fairness and credibility. (NEWSVERGE)
Dr. Nweke suggested that drug tests should be conducted by certified laboratories with internationally recognised standards, clear substance thresholds, and impartial appeals processes to protect personnel rights and build confidence in the system. (NEWSVERGE)
Adding to the debate, Philip Jakpor, Executive Director of the Renevlyn Development Initiative, described the policy as “long overdue” and urged its adoption across other security agencies. Meanwhile, a security expert, Dr. Abdullahi Jabi, highlighted the importance of addressing underlying causes of drug use, such as working conditions and stress, and recommended improved welfare measures in tandem with the directive. (NEWSVERGE)
The NCS’s mandatory drug testing policy remains a focal point for public discussion as it seeks to balance institutional discipline with personnel development and welfare priorities.
December 2, 2025
Source: NewsVerge / FreedomOnline (via syndicated reporting)