The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned applicants undergoing recruitment into four security agencies under the Ministry of Interior against paying for the mandatory Drug Integrity Test, saying the Federal Government has already covered the cost of the exercise.
The agency said no candidate or personnel participating in the screening would be required to pay NDLEA officials, testing centres or any other payment channel for the test.
The warning affects applicants seeking recruitment into the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the Ministry of Interior had made bulk payment to cover the drug testing of all new intakes into the four agencies.
“The Ministry of Interior has already made bulk payment to cover the testing of its new intakes,” the agency said, stressing that candidates should not make any additional payment for the exercise.
It consequently advised the participating agencies and their personnel to reject any demand for payment in connection with the screening.
The NDLEA explained that candidates would be required to access its Drug Integrity Test portal through designated links or access points to be provided on the respective institutional portals of the recruiting agencies.
According to the agency, the platform would enable applicants to complete the necessary registration and documentation before proceeding to the testing centres.
It said the online arrangement was designed to ensure a seamless and orderly process without imposing additional financial obligations on candidates.
The agency also urged applicants to follow the designated registration procedure and avoid making payments through unofficial channels.
The NDLEA appreciated the cooperation of the Ministry of Interior, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that the exercise was conducted transparently and efficiently.
