FG approves mandatory drug testing for public service applicants

By Isaac Joseph Inyang

The Federal Government has officially approved the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all prospective applicants seeking employment in the Nigerian public service, as part of renewed efforts to tackle the rising incidence of illicit drug use and its impact on national development, public health, and security.

According to a statement issued by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the directive was communicated to Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments and Parastatals through a service-wide circular dated December 22, 2025.

Under the new policy, candidates for positions in ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) must undergo drug screening before their applications can be processed further. Ministries and agencies have been instructed to work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to ensure that tests are conducted in line with established standards and procedures.

Government sources say the move is premised on concerns about the “alarming rate” of substance abuse, particularly among young Nigerians, which the administration says poses a threat to workplace productivity, socio-economic development, public health, and national security.

“This directive aligns with the present administration’s commitment to decisively address the menace of drug abuse and safeguard the integrity of the national workforce,” said in the statement.

Although implementation details are still being finalised, officials emphasise that accredited testing and transparent reporting will be essential to maintain fairness and credibility in the recruitment process. Legal and human rights advocates have called for clear guidelines to protect applicants’ rights while ensuring the policy achieves its preventive objectives.

The directive follows other anti-drug initiatives introduced in 2025, including expanded drug screening protocols in other sectors, and underscores the government’s broader strategy to build a disciplined, efficient, and drug-free public service.