The Digest:
The Federal Government has made drug testing a compulsory requirement for employment in Nigeria’s public service. The directive, issued to all ministries and parastatals, signals a heightened official response to the “alarming rate” of substance abuse and its perceived threat to productivity, security, and national development.
Key Points:
- The Federal Government has mandated drug testing for all new public service employees.
- The directive was issued to permanent secretaries and heads of agencies by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
- The policy aims to curb rising illicit drug use, especially among youth, citing impacts on health, security, and workplace productivity.
- MDAs are to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to conduct the tests.
- The move follows a similar policy recently introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service for its recruits and serving officers.
- The government described substance abuse as a “disturbing trend” with far-reaching national implications.
- While not a global standard, such testing is common in safety-sensitive roles in countries like the US and parts of Europe.
Sources: The Cable, Channels TV
