In a significant policy shift, the Nigerian Federal Government has declared that all individuals seeking employment within the public service must now undergo mandatory drug testing. This directive was issued on December 22, 2025, through a service-wide circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
A New Pre-Employment Requirement
The circular, addressed to Permanent Secretaries and heads of all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as extra-ministerial departments and parastatals, instructs them to integrate drug screening into their standard recruitment procedures. The government cited the "alarming rate" of substance abuse, especially among the nation's youth, as the primary motivation. This trend is seen as a direct threat to public health, socio-economic growth, workplace safety, and overall national security.
To ensure standardized implementation, MDAs are required to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for conducting the tests. This collaboration is intended to guarantee that the screenings are performed professionally and in compliance with established national standards.
Public Reaction and Calls for Broader Application
The announcement has sparked immediate reactions from citizens across various platforms. While many have welcomed the policy as a step toward a more efficient and responsible public workforce, others are calling for its scope to be expanded.
One commenter, Dolapo, argued that the directive should also cover political office aspirants, stating: "It's a welcome development, but I hope this also includes top offices like presidency, governorship, etc." This sentiment was echoed by another user, Rapuruchi, who questioned whether political elites would be subjected to the same test.
Fisayo Ademuwagun commended President Bola Tinubu for the policy, describing it as long overdue. "If you want to work for the federal government, you must be clean. No more high people, no more drugged-up staff slowing down the system," the user stated. Meanwhile, Patriot Sentinel expressed concern over the widespread substance abuse among youths, who are considered the future of the nation.
Implications for National Productivity and Security
This policy represents a concrete attempt by the administration to address the intersecting crises of drug abuse and bureaucratic inefficiency. By mandating these tests at the point of entry into public service, the government aims to foster a safer, more productive, and drug-free work environment from the outset.
The move signals a stricter regulatory approach to public sector recruitment and aligns with broader national security objectives. It places the NDLEA at the forefront of a preventive strategy, moving beyond enforcement to include institutional safeguarding. The success of this initiative will depend on its consistent and transparent application across all federal government bodies.
