The Federal Government has approved mandatory drug testing for all applicants seeking employment in the federal public service.
The directive was issued in a service-wide circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, addressed to Permanent Secretaries and heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The circular, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, said the move shows the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the public workforce.
Under the policy, MDAs are required to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to conduct pre-employment drug screening in line with approved standards.
The government said the decision was taken in response to the rising rate of substance abuse, especially among young people, which it described as a threat to public health, productivity and national security.
The policy aligns with ongoing anti-drug measures, including compulsory drug testing in universities and other sectors.
