Recruitment Applicants Protest Mandatory Drug Screening Fees

Applicants participating in a federal paramilitary recruitment exercise are protesting a reported ₦7,500 charge for mandatory drug screening by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. The controversy arose because the Federal Government had previously assured candidates that the screening exercise would be free. The board secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board had stated that candidates would not incur any expenses for the screening.

The dispute centers on the cost of a mandatory public service screening, contradicting earlier assurances from government officials. The Federal Government maintains that it would bear the cost of the screening, warning candidates against making payments.