By Our Reporter
Federal Government has approved the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing for applicants seeking employment into the Public Service.
Director, Information and Public Relations, office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Segun Imohiosen, made this known in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, saying that the directive was part of ongoing efforts to curb the rising incidence of illicit drug use and its adverse effects on national development, security and workplace productivity.
He said by the circular, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments and Parastatals had been directed to make drug testing a compulsory requirement in the recruitment of new personnel.
According to him, the MDAs are also to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in conducting the tests in line with established standards and procedures.
Imohiosen noted that the decision was informed by growing concern over the alarming rate of drug abuse, particularly among youths, with far-reaching implications for public health, socio-economic development, workplace efficiency and national security.
"The directive aligns with the commitment of the present administration to decisively address drug and substance abuse and safeguard the integrity of the national workforce," he said.
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