By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Federal Government has made drug tests compulsory for anyone applying for a job in the public service.
The move aims to tackle the growing problem of drug abuse and its effects on security and work performance.
The directive came in an official circular issued today by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
It orders all Permanent Secretaries and heads of Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and parastatals to include drug screening in their hiring process.
According to the circular, all MDAs must work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to carry out the tests and ensure they meet required standards.
The government said the policy is a response to the “alarming rate” of substance abuse, especially among young Nigerians.
It warned that the trend poses a serious threat to public health, the economy, workplace safety, and national security.
The statement was signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information at the OSGF.
He stated that the administration is determined to safeguard the workforce from drug-related harms.
This new rule for federal jobs follows similar recent policies that introduced mandatory drug testing in universities and other sectors.