The Federal Government has approved the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all prospective applicants into the Nigerian Public Service, as part of efforts to curb the rising incidence of illicit drug use and protect national productivity and security.
The directive was contained in a service-wide circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), directing all Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments and Parastatals to include drug testing as a mandatory requirement in the recruitment of new personnel across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the SGF, Segun Imohiosen, explained that under the new policy, MDAs are to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in conducting the tests, in accordance with established standards and procedures.
According to the statement, the decision aligns with the present administration’s broader resolve to decisively address drug and substance abuse and to shield the public service from practices considered detrimental to efficiency, discipline and public trust.
It further stressed that the introduction of compulsory drug testing at the entry point into public service is not intended as a punitive measure, but as a preventive strategy aimed at promoting a healthy, disciplined and dependable workforce capable of driving sustainable national development.
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