FG approves mandatory drug test for public service applicants
The Federal Government has approved the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing as a requirement for prospective applicants into the public service.
George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said the policy is part of ongoing efforts to curb the rising menace of illicit drug use and its attendant consequences on national development and security.
Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, in statement on Monday, directed Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments/Parastatals to include the mandatory drug testing as a core requirement in the recruitment of new personnel.
In addition, MDAs are to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the conduct of the tests, in line with established standards and procedures.
The directive was contained in a service-wide circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including extra-Ministerial Departments.
The circular said the directive is in line with the determination of the present administration to decisively tackle the menace of drug and substance abuse, and insulate the national workforce from unwholesome practices.
The directive on the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing to prospective applicants is premised on the concern raised by the Federal Government on the alarming rate of drug and substance abuse, particularly among the teeming youth in the country, with a disturbing trend and far-reaching implications for public health, socio-economic development, workplace productivity, and national security.
The policy is also coming on the heels of the introduction of similar tests for students across the country.
