FG Approves Mandatory Drug Test for Public Service Applicants

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially approved the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all prospective applicants into the Public Service.

This landmark policy, announced on Monday, December 22, 2025, is designed to insulate the national workforce from substance abuse and ensure that the government recruits only disciplined and mentally sound individuals.

According to a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), all Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments have been directed to integrate drug testing as a core requirement in their recruitment processes.

To maintain professional standards, government agencies must collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to conduct these screenings. The NDLEA will utilize its specialized nationwide commands and high-quality testing kits to identify various illicit substances, including opioids and psychotropic drugs.

The directive is driven by growing concerns over the “alarming rate” of drug abuse among Nigerian youth, which the government warns has far-reaching implications for public health, workplace productivity, and national security. By making drug integrity a prerequisite for employment, the administration aims to:

* Enhance Service Delivery: Ensuring that civil servants are not impaired while making sensitive decisions.

* Protect National Security: Preventing individuals with substance-abuse tendencies from entering security-sensitive roles.

* Promote Workplace Discipline: Setting a high standard of professional conduct across all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

This move is part of a wider government crackdown on drug abuse that has gained momentum throughout 2025. Earlier this year, the Federal Ministry of Education approved drug screening for university students, and in November, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) mandated similar tests for its recruits and serving officers. These combined efforts signal a unified national front to curb the impact of illicit drugs on Nigeria’s socio-economic development and institutional integrity.