The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including extra-ministerial departments, to make drug testing a mandatory requirement for all new recruits. The move is aimed at tackling the rising menace of drug and substance abuse and safeguarding the national workforce.
A statement on Monday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, said the approval is part of efforts to address the growing problem of illicit drug use and its impact on national development and security.
Imohiosen added that MDAs are required to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to conduct the tests in accordance with established standards and procedures.
“The directive, issued through a service-wide circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, reflects the administration’s commitment to decisively addressing drug abuse and protecting the integrity of our workforce,” Imohiosen said.
The policy comes amid growing concerns over substance abuse, particularly among youths, and its negative impact on public health, workplace productivity, socio-economic development, and national security.
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This latest initiative follows a series of anti-drug measures introduced in 2025. In November, the Nigeria Customs Service mandated drug testing for all recruits and serving officers to strengthen discipline and border security.
Earlier, in July, a directive for university-wide drug screening was approved, signaling a nationwide push against substance abuse.
The Federal Government has emphasized that mandatory pre-employment drug testing will be strictly enforced across all federal institutions to ensure a healthy, productive, and secure workforce.