The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned newly recruited personnel into four paramilitary services against paying a purported ₦7,500 fee for the mandatory Drug Integrity Test (DIT), insisting that the exercise has already been fully funded by the Ministry of Interior.
The agency said candidates participating in the screening are not required to make any payment to NDLEA officials, accredited testing centres or third-party collection channels.
The warning was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
NDLEA Clarifies Drug Test Payment Arrangements
According to the agency, all operational arrangements have been concluded for the mandatory drug screening of newly recruited personnel into four paramilitary organisations under the Ministry of Interior.
The affected services are the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service (FFS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The NDLEA explained that the Ministry of Interior had already made a bulk payment covering the full cost of the drug integrity evaluation for all newly recruited personnel.
Consequently, any additional financial demand on candidates in connection with the exercise is illegitimate.
The agency urged the participating paramilitary services and shortlisted candidates to disregard anyone requesting payment for the screening.
How Candidates Can Access the NDLEA Drug Test Portal
Babafemi directed candidates to access the official NDLEA Drug Integrity Test portal through designated links and integration points provided on their respective recruitment platforms.
He explained that the integrated system allows candidates to access the screening portal, complete mandatory biodata capturing and documentation, and proceed with sample collection without incurring any out-of-pocket expenses.
The NDLEA stressed that candidates must follow the official recruitment platform links rather than rely on unauthorised payment requests or third-party channels.
NDLEA Commends Interior Ministry
The agency commended the leadership of the Ministry of Interior for its collaboration and funding of the screening exercise.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a transparent, credible and efficient drug integrity screening process for the newly recruited personnel.
The warning serves as a reminder to shortlisted candidates across the four paramilitary services that the mandatory drug test is fully funded and no ₦7,500 payment is required.
