By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has approved the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all prospective applicants into the Public Service, as part of renewed efforts to curb the growing menace of illicit drug use and its adverse effects on national development, workplace productivity and security.
The directive was issued through a service-wide circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including extra-ministerial departments and parastatals.
In an official statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Segun Imohiosen, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of extra-ministerial departments and parastatals were directed to incorporate mandatory drug testing as a core requirement in the recruitment of new personnel.
According to the statement, all MDAs are also required to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in conducting the tests, in strict compliance with established standards and procedures.
The Federal Government explained that the policy aligns with the determination of the current administration to decisively address drug and substance abuse and to safeguard the integrity of the national workforce from unwholesome practices.
The directive, the statement noted, is premised on growing concern over the alarming rate of drug and substance abuse in the country, particularly among young people, a trend with far-reaching implications for public health, socio-economic development, efficiency in the workplace and national security.
By institutionalising mandatory pre-employment drug testing, the Federal Government said it aims to promote a healthy, disciplined and productive public service while reinforcing broader national efforts to combat the scourge of illicit drugs and substance abuse.
