Nigeria: Federal Government Approves Mandatory Drug Tests for Public Service Job Applicants

The Federal Government has approved the introduction of compulsory pre-employment drug testing for all prospective entrants into the Nigerian Public Service.

The directive was contained in a service-wide circular issued on Monday, December 22, 2025, by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

The move, according to the government, was aimed at safeguarding the public workforce from the growing threat posed by illicit drug use.

Under the new policy, Permanent Secretaries as well as heads of extra-ministerial departments and parastatals have been instructed to incorporate drug screening into their recruitment processes.

To guarantee transparency and credibility, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are also required to work closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in carrying out the tests.

The government explained that the decision was informed by the increasing prevalence of substance abuse, particularly among young Nigerians, noting that the trend poses serious implications for public health, workplace efficiency and national security.

It stressed that unchecked drug use undermines productivity within the civil service and contributes to wider socio-economic challenges.

The circular, signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations at the OSGF, reaffirmed the administration's commitment to building a disciplined, healthy and productive public service workforce capable of effectively delivering on national development goals.

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