Photo credit: https://www.australiadrugtesting.com/
Federal Government has approved a new policy making drug testing compulsory for all prospective applicants seeking employment into the Public Service, a move aimed at strengthening workplace integrity and tackling the growing challenge of illicit drug use in the country.
The directive was announced in Abuja on Monday through a circular issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Segun Imohiosen.
According to the circular, all Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments and Parastatals have been instructed to make pre-employment drug testing a mandatory requirement in the recruitment of new personnel across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The government also directed MDAs to work closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in conducting the tests, ensuring that the process aligns with “established standards and procedures.”
The policy, conveyed through a service-wide circular from the OSGF, reflects the current administration’s resolve to confront drug and substance abuse head-on and safeguard the public workforce from practices capable of undermining professionalism, efficiency and public trust.
The Federal Government noted that the decision was driven by concern over the alarming rate of drug and substance abuse, especially among young people, describing the trend as disturbing with serious implications for public health, socio-economic development, workplace productivity and national security.
By introducing mandatory drug testing at the point of entry, the government said it aims to promote a healthier, more disciplined and productive public service while reinforcing its broader campaign against illicit drug use nationwide.
