The Nigeria Customs Service has introduced mandatory drug tests for all officers and men across its commands nationwide to strengthen security and integrity in its operations.
Zonal Coordinator for Zone A, Assistant Comptroller General Mohammed Babandede, announced the move during a familiarisation visit to the Apapa Area Command in Lagos. He reminded officers that Customs’ core mandates include revenue generation, national security, public safety and trade facilitation.
Babandede said drug screening will be conducted in every command and urged personnel to take their health seriously so they can deliver effective service. He stressed that strong enforcement is essential for creating a secure environment where legitimate trade can thrive.
He commended the Apapa Command for outstanding performance in revenue collection, anti smuggling operations and trade facilitation, noting that the command exceeded its 2025 revenue target. He also praised sustained seizures of narcotics and other illicit substances, describing them as vital to national security, public health and community safety.
The ACG encouraged closer collaboration with sister agencies and the use of modern trade facilitation tools that have boosted Customs’ operational standards. He highlighted the importance of integrity, reputation management, mentorship and capacity building, urging senior officers to transfer their knowledge to younger colleagues while prioritising staff welfare and health.
Customs Area Controller for Apapa, Emmanuel Oshoba, thanked Babandede for the visit and pledged that the command would maintain high performance in revenue, enforcement, trade facilitation, inter agency cooperation and ethics. He said operations will continue to align with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the policy direction of Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
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