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Federal Government Mandates Pre-Employment Drug Screening for Public Service Candidates
In a decisive move to curb the escalating misuse of narcotics and illicit substances, the Federal Government has instituted a mandatory pre-employment drug screening policy for all individuals applying for positions within Nigeria’s public service sector.
Addressing the Growing Threat of Substance Abuse
This initiative aims to confront the alarming rise in drug abuse, which officials identify as a significant threat to national productivity, public health, and security. Recent studies indicate that substance abuse among Nigerian youths has surged by over 15% in the past five years, intensifying concerns about its impact on the workforce and societal stability.
Implementation Framework and Agency Collaboration
According to an official circular disseminated by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), all permanent secretaries, leaders of extra-ministerial departments, and heads of agencies and parastatals are now required to integrate drug testing into their recruitment protocols.
To ensure standardized and credible testing procedures, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) will collaborate closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). This partnership is designed to uphold rigorous testing standards and facilitate effective oversight throughout the recruitment process.
Government’s Strategic Response to Substance Abuse Challenges
Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations at the OSGF, emphasized that this collaboration is critical for maintaining transparency and consistency. The policy forms part of a comprehensive strategy by the current administration to aggressively combat drug abuse and protect the integrity of the public service.
Authorities have expressed deep concern over the increasing prevalence of drug use, particularly among young Nigerians, warning that this trend jeopardizes workplace efficiency, institutional credibility, economic development, and national security.
Safeguarding Public Service Integrity and Enhancing Workforce Quality
Unchecked substance abuse within government institutions risks eroding service quality, undermining ethical conduct, and delaying the execution of vital government initiatives. By instituting mandatory drug tests at the recruitment stage, the government aims to foster a healthier, more disciplined, and dependable workforce capable of advancing national development goals.
Importantly, the directive clarifies that the drug screening process is not intended as a punitive measure but as a proactive safeguard to reinforce public trust and ensure that only qualified, substance-free candidates enter the public service.
