The Federal Government has approved compulsory pre-employment drug testing for all individuals seeking appointments into the federal public service, in a move aimed at curbing drug abuse and strengthening workplace productivity and national security.

The directive was conveyed through a service-wide circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), mandating all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as extra-ministerial departments and parastatals, to integrate drug screening into their recruitment procedures.

Under the new policy, MDAs are to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to carry out the tests in line with approved standards and protocols.

The government cited the growing prevalence of substance abuse, particularly among young people, as a major concern, warning that it poses serious risks to public health, socio-economic development, workplace efficiency and national security.

The circular, signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations at the OSGF, reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to safeguard the integrity of the public service and promote a drug-free workforce.

The initiative forms part of broader anti-drug measures by the Federal Government, including recent policies mandating drug testing in tertiary institutions and other key sectors of the economy.