The Federal Government has approved mandatory drug testing for all applicants seeking employment in the Nigerian Public Service, as part of measures to curb rising drug abuse and enhance workplace productivity.
The policy, announced on Monday in Abuja, will apply across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and is aimed at safeguarding national security, public health, and the integrity of the civil service.
The directive was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Segun Imohiosen, who said the policy is contained in a service-wide circular already circulated to all MDAs and extra-ministerial departments.
According to Mr. Imohiosen, Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Parastatals have been directed to ensure that drug testing becomes a compulsory requirement during the recruitment of new personnel.
He added that MDAs are also required to collaborate closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to conduct the tests in accordance with approved standards and procedures.
Mr. Imohiosen explained that the decision was informed by growing concern over the increasing prevalence of illicit drug use, particularly among young people, and its adverse effects on public health, socio-economic development, workplace efficiency, and national security.
He said the new policy aligns with the commitment of the current administration to decisively address drug and substance abuse and to protect the quality and credibility of the national workforce.
