The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has moved to clear up confusion over a ₦7,500 drug test fee that left many paramilitary recruitment applicants frustrated.
The agency says candidates applying to four agencies under the Ministry of Interior are exempt from paying the fee because the ministry has already made a bulk payment.
The exemption applies to candidates undergoing the mandatory Drug Integrity Test (DIT) as part of recruitment into the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
In a statement issued Friday by Director of Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA said arrangements had been concluded for the exercise.
It warned applicants against making payments to NDLEA officials, testing centres or any other channel.
Where the Confusion Began
The clarification followed public concerns over the ₦7,500 fee displayed on the agency’s Drug Integrity Test portal.
Babafemi explained that the Ministry of Interior had made a bulk payment to cover testing for its new intakes.
Applicants must access the NDLEA portal through designated links provided on their respective institutional recruitment portals.
This allows them to register, complete documentation and proceed to testing centres without additional payment.
The confusion stemmed from an earlier assurance by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Major General Abdulmalik Jibril (retd.).
Jibril had said candidates would not pay for the mandatory screening.
“Candidates are not to pay anything. They are only to report to NDLEA where they will submit their sample and the result will be given to them instantly,” Jibril said at a briefing in Abuja last week.
When asked whether the exercise would be free, he reiterated: “That means it is free. So no candidate will be charged. If any candidate reports and is asked to give money, let him report to the nearest security agency’s office.”
Applicants Directed to Payment Page
Despite the assurance, applicants reported being directed to pay ₦7,500, an amount displayed on the NDLEA’s drug and visa screening portal under the description “Drug Test.”
One applicant, Abdallah Muhammad from Kano State, expressed disappointment, arguing that candidates had been assured the government would foot the bill.
“We were told that the bills would be footed by the federal government, but the NDLEA is now demanding ₦7,500 from us. Imagine multiplying that amount by 30,000 candidates. That is a huge sum of money,” Muhammad said.
He appealed to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to intervene.
The first batch of the recruitment exercise is expected to cover 30,000 personnel, as part of a broader plan to recruit 120,000 into the paramilitary services.
At ₦7,500 per applicant, the reported charge could amount to ₦225 million if all 30,000 candidates were required to pay.
Babafemi, speaking with journalists earlier, explained that the statutory amount covers testing kits, not the screening service itself.
He said the drug testing service remains free for Nigerians, but individuals requiring the test pay ₦7,500 for the kits.
This requirement, he said, has applied since the agency’s testing programme began and covers tests for travel, marriage, school admission and employment.
What Happens Next
The NDLEA urged applicants and participating institutions to follow the guidelines for a smooth exercise.
It said the arrangement is part of efforts to guarantee transparent and efficient screening during recruitment.
Applicants are still seeking clarity on whether the ₦7,500 charge has been officially approved. As of the time of filing this report, clarification was being sought from the CDCFIB and NDLEA.
Many applicants have waited months for the recruitment process to conclude, and they want the board’s earlier promise honoured.
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