Job Seekers Face Mandatory Drug Screening as FG Tightens Recruitment Rules

Job Seekers Face Mandatory Drug Screening as FG Tightens Recruitment Rules
MDAs are required to collaborate with the NDLEA in conducting the tests
Segun Imohiosen said the move reflects the administration’s commitment to building a discipline

The Federal Government has approved mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all applicants seeking employment in Nigeria’s public service, as part of efforts to curb substance abuse and safeguard national productivity and security.

Contents

EDITOR’S PICK
FURTHER READING

Eko Hot Blog reports that the directive was contained in a service wide circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), instructing Permanent Secretaries and heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including extra ministerial departments and parastatals, to integrate drug screening into their recruitment processes.

EDITOR’S PICK

According to the circular, MDAs are required to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in conducting the tests to ensure adherence to approved standards and procedures.

The policy was introduced in response to what the government described as the alarming rate of drug abuse, particularly among young Nigerians, which it said poses serious threats to public health, workplace efficiency, socio economic development and national security.

A statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, said the move reflects the administration’s commitment to building a disciplined, productive and drug free public service.

Job Seekers Face Mandatory Drug Screening as FG Tightens Recruitment Rules

The Federal Government noted that substance abuse has increasingly affected workforce performance and institutional integrity, making preventive measures necessary at the point of entry into public service.

The initiative aligns with broader national anti drug strategies, including recent policies mandating drug testing in tertiary institutions and other critical sectors.