The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned newly recruited personnel and applicants undergoing screening for four paramilitary services against paying a purported ₦7,500 fee for the mandatory Drug Integrity Test (DIT).
The agency said the Federal Ministry of Interior had already funded the exercise, meaning candidates were not required to make additional payments 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’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
According to the agency, arrangements have been concluded for the administration of the mandatory drug screening as part of the recruitment process for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service (FFS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The NDLEA stressed that the ministry had made a bulk payment to cover the testing of new recruits, warning candidates against responding to demands for payment in connection with the exercise.
The clarification is intended to prevent applicants from making unnecessary payments while completing the recruitment requirements.
The agency also explained that candidates would be directed to access the Drug Integrity Test platform through designated links or access points provided on their respective institutional recruitment portals.
The process is intended to allow applicants to complete the required registration and documentation before proceeding to their designated testing centres without paying an additional fee.
The NDLEA urged candidates to follow official instructions and avoid making payments to individuals or organisations claiming to facilitate the mandatory screening.
The warning comes amid the recruitment process for the four paramilitary services, during which shortlisted applicants are expected to complete the necessary checks before final appointment procedures.
The agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the drug-testing exercise is conducted transparently and efficiently.
Candidates who receive requests for payment should verify the information through the official recruitment channels of the relevant agencies rather than rely on unofficial messages or payment instructions.
The NDLEA’s announcement makes clear that the mandatory Drug Integrity Test is covered by the Ministry of Interior and that candidates should not pay the purported ₦7,500 fee.