The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency announced that candidates selected for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps will not have to pay the compulsory Drug Integrity Test, after the Ministry of Interior settled the fees on their behalf.
What is the new arrangement?
The agency clarified that the Ministry of Interior has made a bulk payment covering the cost of the Drug Integrity Test (DIT) for all new recruits across the four agencies. As a result, applicants are instructed not to remit any money to NDLEA officials, testing centres, or any other payment channel.
How will candidates access the test?
Spokesperson Femi Babafemi explained that each recruit will receive a designated link or access point on their respective institutional portals. Through this portal, candidates can complete registration, upload required documentation, and schedule the test without incurring additional charges.
Why was the policy introduced?
The NDLEA said the measure is intended to ensure a seamless, orderly, and transparent testing process, eliminating the risk of fraudulent payment demands and streamlining recruitment logistics.
What did the agency say about cooperation?
In its statement, the NDLEA praised the Ministry of Interior for its prompt financial support and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering an efficient and accountable drug‑testing exercise for all interior ministry recruits.
Key points at a glance:
- The four agencies affected are the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
- The Ministry of Interior has already paid the full cost of the DIT for the incoming batch of recruits.
- Candidates must use the official NDLEA DIT portal, accessed via links provided on their agency’s recruitment website.
- No cash or electronic payment should be made to any individual or centre claiming to collect test fees.
- Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, emphasized that the portal will handle registration and documentation before the test is administered.
The NDLEA urged all applicants to follow the official channels and report any attempts to solicit payment. The agency also indicated that it will monitor the process closely to guarantee compliance with the new fee‑free protocol.
Overall, the decision removes a financial barrier for prospective interior ministry officers and aims to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s recruitment standards.