The management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the introduction of mandatory drug testing for all serving officers and men across its commands nationwide, as part of efforts to strengthen security responsibilities and operational integrity.

The disclosure was made in Lagos by the Zonal Coordinator of Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Mohammed Babandede, during a familiarisation visit to the Apapa Area Command.

Babandede outlined the Service’s core mandates, including revenue generation, national security, public safety and trade facilitation, while commending the Apapa Command for its effective inter-agency collaboration.

He assured that drug tests would be carried out across all commands and urged officers to remain health-conscious to support effective service delivery.

The Assistant Comptroller-General also stressed that effective enforcement is critical to creating a secure environment in which legitimate trade can thrive.

Babandede commended the Apapa Area Command of the Service for its exceptional performance in revenue generation and its successes in anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation

While addressing the officers during the visit, he praised them for their commitment to the Command’s operational successes in 2025 and explained that the purpose of his visit was also to understand the operational challenges faced by the Command.

The Zonal Coordinator acknowledged the Command’s notable achievements and the officers’ dedication in consistently surpassing expectations, particularly in revenue collection, where the Command exceeded its annual target.

He also lauded the Command’s sustained anti-smuggling efforts, especially the significant seizures of narcotics and other illicit substances, including cocaine and tramadol, describing the interceptions as critical contributions to national security, public health, and societal safety.

He urged officers to deepen cooperation with sister agencies, particularly in the deployment and promotion of trade facilitation tools that have positioned the Service at an upper-class operational rating.

Babandede stressed the importance of integrity, reputational management, mentorship, and capacity building within the Command.

The ACG urged senior officers to transfer their knowledge and experience to younger officers while also pointing out the significance of officers’ welfare and health.

He further disclosed that drug tests would be conducted across Commands, advising officers to remain health-conscious to ensure effective service delivery.

In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Emmanuel Oshoba, expressed appreciation to the Zonal Coordinator for the timely and motivating visit.

Oshoba reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining its performance in revenue generation, enforcement, trade facilitation, inter-agency cooperation, and ethical conduct in strict adherence to the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of the Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. (The Nation)

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