The Federal Government has approved the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing for prospective applicants into the Public Service as part of measures to curb illicit drug use and its impact on national development and security.
The directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen.
According to the statement, Permanent Secretaries as well as Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments and Parastatals have been directed to make drug testing a compulsory requirement in the recruitment of new personnel across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Imohiosen explained that the policy was approved to address the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people, and its negative effects on public health, workplace productivity, socio-economic development and national security.
He added that MDAs have been instructed to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in conducting the tests, in line with established standards and procedures.
The directive, contained in a service-wide circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, applies to all MDAs, including extra-ministerial departments.
The Federal Government noted that the initiative reflects the current administration’s resolve to insulate the public service from unwholesome practices and ensure a disciplined and efficient workforce.
The move builds on earlier anti-drug measures introduced in 2025. In November, the Nigeria Customs Service mandated drug testing for all incoming recruits and serving officers, while a similar directive approving drug screening across universities was issued in July, signalling a broader nationwide campaign against substance abuse.
