FG Approves Mandatory Drug Testing for Public Service Applicants

The Federal Government has approved the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all prospective applicants seeking entry into the Nigerian Public Service, in a decisive move to curb the growing challenge of illicit drug use across the Country.

The directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Segun Imohiosen.

According to the statement, the policy is part of the current administration’s broader strategy to address substance abuse and its negative impact on national development, workplace efficiency, and security.

Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments and Parastatals have been directed to make drug testing a compulsory requirement in the recruitment of new personnel across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“The Federal Government has approved the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing as a requirement for prospective applicants into the Public Service, as part of ongoing efforts to curb the rising menace of illicit drug use and its attendant consequences on national development and security,” the statement said.

It further stated that MDAs are to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in conducting the tests in line with established standards and procedures to ensure credibility and uniformity.

Imohiosen explained that the directive was conveyed through a service-wide circular issued by the Office of the SGF to all MDAs, including extra-ministerial departments.

He noted that the move reflects the determination of the present administration to insulate the National workforce from practices that could undermine professionalism and discipline.

The Government said the policy was informed by concerns over the alarming rise in drug and substance abuse, particularly among young Nigerians, and the far-reaching consequences for public health, socio-economic development, workplace productivity, and national security.

“The directive on the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing for prospective applicants is premised on the concern raised by the Federal Government over the alarming rate of drug and substance abuse, especially among the teeming youth in the country,” the statement added.

The initiative builds on a series of anti-drug measures introduced by the Federal Government in 2025. In November, the Nigeria Customs Service mandated drug testing for all incoming recruits and serving officers to strengthen discipline and enhance border security.

Earlier, in July, the Government approved University-wide drug screening, signalling a coordinated nationwide push to address substance abuse.