Nigeria mandates drug tests for federal job applicants

The Federal Government has introduced mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all applicants seeking positions in the public service.

A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, said the move is part of broader efforts to combat rising drug abuse and its impacts on national security and productivity.

The statement directed permanent secretaries and heads of ministries, departments, agencies, MDAs, as well as extra-ministerial departments and parastatals, to incorporate drug screening into their recruitment processes.

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According to the statement, MDAs are required to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, to conduct the tests, ensuring compliance with established standards.

The policy stems from concerns over the alarming rate of substance abuse, particularly among Nigeria’s youth, which the government says threatens public health, socio-economic development, workplace efficiency, and national security.

The statement added that the directive underscored the administration’s commitment to protecting the workforce from drug-related issues.

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“This move aligns with ongoing anti-drug initiatives, including recent policies for mandatory testing in universities and other sectors,” the statement said.