Shortlisted candidates participating in the ongoing Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) recruitment exercise are required to complete a mandatory drug integrity test with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) before proceeding to the final stage of their recruitment.
However, some candidates have experienced difficulties while trying to book their appointments through the NDLEA portal. One of the major problems is selecting the wrong option during the registration process, which can redirect candidates to an ordinary drug-test application that requests payment.
We wish to clarify that the drug integrity test arranged for eligible CDCFIB candidates is free of charge. The Federal Government has already made arrangements to cover the cost of the exercise. Candidates are therefore not expected to pay NDLEA officials, testing centres or individuals to complete this recruitment requirement.
For candidates who are finding it difficult to navigate the appointment-booking page, a video guide has also been shared online to demonstrate how to proceed. We explain the important instructions below, including the correct approach to accessing the booking process and avoiding unnecessary payment requests.
CDCFIB Shortlisted Candidates Can Book NDLEA Appointments for Free
The NDLEA drug integrity test is one of the requirements for candidates who have progressed to the advanced stages of the CDCFIB recruitment exercise. It applies to the four paramilitary services under the Board, namely the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Federal Fire Service (FFS).
According to the recruitment update announced by the Board, candidates who have reached the oral interview stage are expected to check their recruitment status through the official CDCFIB portal and obtain the necessary code for the drug screening.
The Board also announced that its recruitment portal would reopen from 28 October to 13 November 2026 to allow eligible candidates to confirm their status and proceed with the required screening arrangements. This is a continuation of the existing recruitment exercise, not an invitation for new applications.
The Secretary to the Board, Major General Abdulmalik Jibril (retd.), explained that candidates would obtain their screening codes through the recruitment portal and report to the NDLEA office in their respective states for the test.
On 30 October 2026, the NDLEA also issued a public announcement confirming that candidates recruited into the four agencies under the Ministry of Interior would not be required to make additional payments for the exercise.
Watch the Video Guide on How to Book an NDLEA Appointment
Shortlisted candidates who are having difficulty selecting an appointment option on the NDLEA portal can follow the video demonstration shared on X.
The video provides a practical guide to navigating the appointment-booking process. Candidates should pay close attention to the option selected in the demonstration and follow the same procedure when accessing the designated recruitment screening route.
Watch the appointment-booking video here:
Watch the NDLEA Appointment Booking Video Guide for CDCFIB Candidates
As demonstrated in the guide, candidates should select the first appropriate option shown in the specific booking process and continue with the appointment arrangements. Make sure you are following the CDCFIB recruitment screening route rather than starting an ordinary personal drug-test application.
How to Book an Appointment on the NDLEA Portal for CDCFIB Recruitment
Candidates should first understand that the NDLEA has different services on its online platform. The ordinary drug integrity test application is available to members of the public who need the service for personal, educational, employment or other purposes. The CDCFIB recruitment exercise, however, has a separate government-funded arrangement.
To avoid entering the wrong application process, follow these important steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official CDCFIB Recruitment Portal
Begin by visiting the official CDCFIB recruitment portal. Use the login details associated with your previous recruitment application.
Do not create another application simply because you are trying to access the drug screening stage. The current exercise is intended for candidates who have already participated in the recruitment process and progressed to the required stages.
Step 2: Check Your Recruitment Status
After logging in, check the information displayed on your candidate profile. Eligible candidates should follow the instructions provided for the next stage of the recruitment exercise.
Where the portal provides a screening code or designated access link, make sure you obtain and keep the correct details. The code connects your recruitment record with the mandatory drug screening process.
Step 3: Access the NDLEA Portal Through the Designated Link
Use the NDLEA access link or option provided through the official CDCFIB recruitment platform. This is an important part of the process because the NDLEA has confirmed that candidates participating in this government-funded exercise must access the drug integrity test platform through the designated links on their respective institutional portals.
Avoid opening the ordinary NDLEA application route and assuming that every option displayed there is meant for CDCFIB candidates.
Step 4: Select the Correct Appointment Option
When you reach the relevant appointment page, carefully follow the video demonstration linked above. Select the first appropriate option shown in the CDCFIB-specific booking procedure and proceed with the instructions displayed on your screen.
Make sure the option you select relates to the recruitment screening arrangement. Do not select a general paid drug-test application when your purpose is to complete the free CDCFIB recruitment exercise.
Step 5: Complete the Required Information
Continue by providing the information requested by the designated portal. Depending on the screen displayed, this may include your candidate details, screening reference or other information needed to identify your recruitment application.
Enter your information carefully and check that your details are correct before proceeding. Errors in personal information or reference details may affect the successful completion of your booking.
Step 6: Choose an Available Appointment Date
Once the correct appointment-booking section opens, follow the available scheduling instructions. Choose an appointment date and time from the options displayed, together with the appropriate screening location where required.
Do not choose a date simply because it appears convenient without checking whether it is available. If your preferred date or location is unavailable, follow the portal instructions for selecting another available option.
Step 7: Confirm and Save Your Appointment Details
Before completing the process, review the information you have entered. Confirm that your personal details, screening reference and appointment information are correct.
After successfully completing the booking, save or print the confirmation or appointment slip generated by the platform. Keep the document available because you may need it when reporting to the designated NDLEA testing centre.
Important Warning: Do Not Click the Ordinary Paid Drug Test Application
One of the reasons some CDCFIB candidates have encountered payment requests is that they have selected the ordinary Apply for Drug Test option on the NDLEA portal.
This option is designed for the regular drug-test application process and may lead to a payment page. It is not the correct route for candidates participating in the government-funded CDCFIB recruitment screening arrangement.
A report published by Vanguard on 30 October 2026 explained that some candidates mistakenly entered this ordinary application route and were presented with a payment request of ₦7,500. The report also noted that other candidates who followed the recruitment screening instructions were able to register without paying.
To avoid this problem, always access the NDLEA screening platform through the designated CDCFIB recruitment link and follow the correct booking instructions.
Remember: If the page asks you to pay for the CDCFIB drug integrity test, stop and review the option you selected. Do not make payment simply because a payment page appears.
Is the NDLEA Drug Test Free for CDCFIB Shortlisted Candidates?
Yes. The mandatory NDLEA drug integrity test for eligible candidates recruited into the four agencies under the Ministry of Interior is free.
The NDLEA officially confirmed this arrangement in a statement published on Friday, 30 October 2026. According to the Agency, the Ministry of Interior had already made bulk payment to cover the drug testing of the new intakes.
The Agency further instructed participating candidates and personnel not to make payments to NDLEA officials, testing centres or through any other payment channel for this particular exercise.
This means candidates should not pay an individual, agent or testing centre to obtain an appointment, complete their registration or undergo the government-funded screening.
Anyone who demands money for this specific recruitment exercise should be treated with caution. Candidates can report suspicious payment requests to the appropriate security authorities.
What Should Candidates Do If the NDLEA Appointment Booking Is Not Working?
Some candidates may still experience difficulties even after following the correct instructions. A portal may fail to load, an appointment option may not appear, or the system may refuse to accept certain details.
When this happens, we recommend taking the following precautions:
- Return to the CDCFIB portal: Confirm that you accessed the NDLEA platform through the designated recruitment link.
- Check your screening details: Review your candidate information and screening code for typing errors.
- Use an updated browser: Try a current version of Chrome, Firefox or another reliable browser.
- Check your internet connection: A weak connection may prevent the portal from loading properly or completing a booking.
- Avoid repeated payment attempts: Do not pay to bypass a problem with the free recruitment screening process.
- Follow official instructions: Check the recruitment portal for any new information about access, appointment scheduling or technical difficulties.
Candidates should also avoid sharing their passwords, one-time passwords, NIN details or confidential recruitment information with individuals who claim they can fix the booking problem.
What Should You Take to the NDLEA Office for the Drug Test?
After completing the required booking and registration process, candidates should prepare for the physical screening at the designated NDLEA office or testing location.
We recommend keeping the following information and documents available:
- Your CDCFIB recruitment or screening reference code.
- Your valid means of identification, including the NIN details requested for the exercise.
- Your appointment confirmation or booking slip, where generated.
- Any additional document or instruction displayed on your recruitment profile.
Arrive at the designated location according to your appointment arrangements and follow the instructions provided by the authorised officers. Do not visit a different testing centre without confirming that the location is permitted for your recruitment screening.
What Happens After Completing the NDLEA Drug Integrity Test?
The drug integrity test is an important requirement before eligible candidates can proceed to the appointment stage of the recruitment exercise.
After reporting to the appropriate NDLEA office, candidates will undergo the required screening. The test results are made available through the established process, and candidates who satisfy the screening requirement can proceed with the remaining recruitment arrangements.
The CDCFIB has explained that candidates will need evidence of drug clearance before collecting their appointment letters. Therefore, it is important to keep any certificate or confirmation issued after the test safe.
Completing the NDLEA appointment booking does not automatically mean that an appointment letter has been issued. Candidates must still satisfy the applicable recruitment requirements and follow the Board’s final instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions About CDCFIB NDLEA Appointment Booking
1. Do CDCFIB shortlisted candidates need to pay for the NDLEA drug test?
No. The Federal Government is covering the cost of the mandatory drug integrity test for eligible candidates under the CDCFIB recruitment exercise. Candidates should not make payments for this screening.
2. Why is the NDLEA portal asking me to pay?
You may have entered the ordinary paid drug-test application instead of the designated recruitment screening route. Return to the official CDCFIB recruitment portal and use the appropriate NDLEA access link provided for eligible candidates.
3. Where can I watch the video on how to book the appointment?
You can watch the video guide through this NDLEA appointment-booking video on X. It demonstrates the option to select when navigating the relevant booking process.
4. Can every CDCFIB applicant book the NDLEA appointment?
The current screening arrangement is for candidates who have progressed to the required advanced stages of the recruitment exercise. Applicants should first check their individual recruitment status on the official CDCFIB portal before proceeding.
5. Which agencies are included in the NDLEA screening arrangement?
The arrangement covers eligible candidates recruited into the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and Federal Fire Service.
6. When will the CDCFIB recruitment portal close?
The announced portal access period runs from 28 October to 13 November 2026. Candidates should complete the required procedures within the announced period and check the official portal for any subsequent changes.
7. What should I do if someone asks me to pay for an appointment?
Do not pay an individual or agent for the government-funded screening. Verify the instructions through the official recruitment portal and report suspicious payment demands to the appropriate security authorities.
Final Advice for CDCFIB Shortlisted Candidates
All eligible CDCFIB candidates should take the NDLEA appointment-booking process seriously and complete the required screening within the announced period.
For those experiencing difficulties, the video guide shared in this update can help you understand the correct appointment-booking option. Follow the designated recruitment route, select the appropriate option and complete the scheduling process carefully.
Most importantly, remember that the NDLEA drug integrity test for this recruitment exercise is free. Do not make payment through the ordinary paid application route or give money to anyone claiming to offer special assistance.
Leave a Reply