The federal government has approved the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing for applicants seeking employment into the public service.

Segun Imohiosen, director, information and public relations, office of the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), made this known in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, the directive is part of ongoing efforts to curb the rising incidence of illicit drug use and its adverse effects on national development, security and workplace productivity.

“This is contained in a service-wide circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including extra-ministerial departments.”

He said that by the circular, permanent secretaries and heads of extra-ministerial departments and parastatals have been directed to make drug testing a compulsory requirement in the recruitment of new personnel.

The MDAs are also to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in conducting the tests in line with established standards and procedures.

Mr Imohiosen noted that the decision was informed by growing concern over the alarming rate of drug abuse, particularly among youths, with far-reaching implications for public health, socio-economic development, workplace efficiency and national security.

“The directive aligns with the commitment of the present administration to decisively address drug and substance abuse and safeguard the integrity of the national workforce.” 

(NAN)