FG Introduces Mandatory Pre-Employment Drug Testing For Public Service Applicants
The Federal Government has introduced mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all candidates seeking to join the Public Service.
Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said the move is aimed at tackling the growing menace of illicit drug use and its impact on national development and security.
Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments and Parastatals have been directed to make drug testing a key part of their recruitment processes.
The circular partly read, “The Federal Government has approved the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing for prospective applicants into the Public Service as part of efforts to curb the rising problem of illicit drug use and its consequences on national development and security.”
Imohiosen added that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are expected to work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to conduct the tests in line with approved standards and procedures.
“The directive, issued in a service-wide circular, reflects the administration’s determination to fight drug and substance abuse and shield the national workforce from harmful practices,” he stated.
The policy responds to concerns about the rising rate of drug abuse among youths and its effects on public health, workplace productivity, socio-economic growth, and national security.
This initiative follows other anti-drug measures in 2025, including mandatory testing for Nigeria Customs Service recruits in November and a nationwide university drug screening introduced in July.
