The Federal Government (FG) has approved the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all prospective applicants into the Public Service.
The move is a decisive step aimed at curbing the rising prevalence of illicit drug use and its impact on national development, productivity, and security.
The directive was issued in a service-wide circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), George Akume on Monday.
It targets Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as extra-ministerial departments and parastatals nationwide.
The FG directed all Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments to immediately institutionalise drug screening as a core requirement for recruitment.
Drug testing must now be included as a primary eligibility criterion in all new personnel recruitment exercises.
Government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) are required to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to ensure that the tests are conducted in line with established national and international standards.
The policy forms part of a broader administrative effort to “insulate the national workforce from unwholesome practices” and uphold the integrity of the public service.
The government cited the alarming rate of substance abuse, particularly among the nation’s youth, as the primary catalyst for this policy.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, the current trend carries far-reaching implications.
Firstly, workplace productivity suffers, as substance abuse often leads to absenteeism and reduced professional output.
Secondly, public health is impacted, with rising addiction rates placing additional strain on the national healthcare system.
Thirdly, national security faces challenges, given the strong link between drug abuse and criminal activities.
Also, socio-economic development is hindered, as impaired human capital undermines long-term national growth.
The introduction of pre-employment testing aligns with the current administration’s stance on tackling the drug menace head-on.
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By screening applicants at the point of entry, the government aims to create a more disciplined and effective workforce while discouraging the craving for illicit substances among young Nigerians aspiring to join the public sector.
This policy follows similar mandates recently introduced in other sectors, including the Nigeria Customs Service and proposed mandatory integrity tests for students in tertiary institutions.
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