By Desire Emmanuel
The Federal Government has ordered mandatory drug tests for all intending applicants seeking jobs in the public service across the country.
This, the Federal Government said, was part of broader efforts to combat rising drug abuse and its impacts on national security and productivity.
A circular regarding this was issued on Monday, December 22, by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) which directs Permanent Secretaries and heads of Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), as well as extra-ministerial departments to incorporate drug screening into their recruitment processes.
The circular indicated that MDAs are required to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to conduct the tests and ensure compliance with established standards.
The policy stems from concerns over what the circular described as the “alarming rate” of substance abuse, particularly among the youth, who are in the employable category, and which the government says threatens public health, socioeconomic development, workplace efficiency, and national security.
The circular, signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations at the OSGF, said the development underscored the current administration’s commitment to protecting the workforce from drug-related issues.
Therefore, with effect from 2026, anyone seeking employment into the federal civil service as well as other government agencies will need to undergo drug tests in addition to written and oral tests.
