FG introduces mandatory drug test for public service applicants

The Federal Government has approved the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing as a requirement for prospective applicants into the Public Service.

The government said the development is part of ongoing efforts to curb the rising menace of illicit drug use and its attendant consequences on national development and security.

The directive, which was contained in a service-wide circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including extra-Ministerial Departments is in line with the determination of the present administration to decisively tackle this menace of drug and substance abuse, and insulate the national workforce from unwholesome practices.

Mr Segun Imohiosen, Director, Information and Public Relations, OSGF, in a conveyance statement said that consequently, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments/Parastatals are hereby directed to include mandatory drug testing as a core requirement in the recruitment of new personnel.

“In addition , MDAs are to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the conduct of the tests, in line with established standards and procedures.

“The directive on the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing to prospective applicants is premised on the concern raised by the Federal Government on the alarming rate of drug and substance abuse, particularly among the teeming youth in the country, with a disturbing trend and far-reaching implications for public health, socio-economic development, workplace productivity, and national security,” the statement said.