FG Makes Pre-Employment Drug Test Mandatory for All Public Service Jobs

FG Makes Pre-Employment Drug Test Mandatory for All Public Service Jobs

The Federal Government has approved a new policy making mandatory pre-employment drug testing a core requirement for all applicants seeking employment into the Nigerian public service.

The directive was issued through a service-wide circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including extra-ministerial departments.

A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, said the policy is part of government efforts to curb the rising menace of illicit drug use and its negative impact on national development and security.

According to the circular, Permanent Secretaries and heads of government parastatals have been directed to ensure that drug testing is included as a compulsory requirement in the recruitment process for new personnel across the public service.

READ ALSO:

• AFCON 2025: Tanzania Plot to Stop Osimhen but Fear Nigeria’s Attacking Depth
• Court Reopens Terrorism Case Against Suspected Bello Turji Associates
• Ini Edo Appeals Against Cinema Ban as CAN Faults ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ Title

The statement further instructed MDAs to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in conducting the tests, in line with approved standards and procedures.

Explaining the rationale behind the move, the OSGF said the introduction of mandatory drug screening aligns with the commitment of the present administration to decisively tackle drug and substance abuse and safeguard the integrity of the national workforce.

The Federal Government expressed concern over the alarming rate of drug abuse, particularly among Nigerian youths, warning that the trend poses serious risks to public health, socio-economic development, workplace productivity and national security.

Imohiosen added that the directive takes immediate effect, forming part of broader public service reforms aimed at strengthening discipline, enhancing efficiency and improving the overall performance of government institutions.

FG Makes Pre-Employment Drug Test Mandatory for All Public Service Jobs