FG Now Requires Drug Tests for All Public Service Job Seekers

The Federal Government has approved a new policy making pre-employment drug testing compulsory for all applicants seeking jobs in the Nigerian public service.

The move is designed to tackle the rising abuse of hard drugs and other illicit substances, which government officials say is threatening national productivity, public health, and security.

According to a service-wide circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), all permanent secretaries, heads of extra-ministerial departments and chief executives of agencies and parastatals must now include drug testing as a key requirement in their recruitment processes.

Under the new directive, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are to work closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to conduct the tests, using approved procedures and standards. 

A statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, explained that this collaboration is meant to ensure credibility, consistency and proper monitoring.

Government sources say the policy is part of a broader push by the current administration to confront drug and substance abuse more aggressively and to shield the public service from habits that undermine efficiency, discipline and public confidence.

The Federal Government raised fresh alarm over what it described as the disturbing rate of drug use among Nigerians, especially young people. It warned that the trend poses serious dangers to workplace performance, institutional integrity, economic growth and national security.

Officials also fear that unchecked substance abuse within the public sector could weaken service delivery, compromise ethical standards, and slow down the implementation of critical government programmes.

However, the circular stressed that the compulsory drug test should not be seen as a witch-hunt, but as a preventive and protective measure. By screening applicants at the entry point, government hopes to build a healthier, more disciplined and reliable workforce that can drive its development agenda and restore public trust in state institutions.