For thousands of young Nigerians dreaming of a career in public service, the message from Abuja is now clear: come clean — literally.
In a bold step to protect the nation’s workforce and future, the Federal Government has made drug testing compulsory for all applicants seeking employment in the federal public service, placing personal discipline and responsibility at the heart of government recruitment.
The directive was issued in a service-wide circular by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, mandating all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including parastatals and extra-ministerial departments, to include drug screening as part of their hiring process.
Under the new rule, MDAs must work directly with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to conduct the tests, ensuring professionalism, transparency and uniform standards nationwide.
Officials say the decision is driven not by punishment, but by concern — concern over the rising tide of substance abuse, especially among young people, and its growing impact on productivity, workplace safety, public trust and national security.
“This is about protecting the system and the people who serve within it,” a senior official explained. “A drug-free workforce is essential for effective governance.”
The circular, signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations at the OSGF, underscores the administration’s resolve to build a public service staffed by individuals who are mentally alert, emotionally stable and fit for responsibility.
For job seekers, the policy introduces a new reality. Beyond certificates, interviews and aptitude tests, personal lifestyle choices now matter more than ever. Government insiders say the move is also meant to serve as a wake-up call — discouraging drug use by reminding youths that their future careers could be decided by today’s habits.
The initiative is part of a wider national push against drug abuse, following similar policies introduced in universities and other critical sectors, as authorities intensify efforts to curb a problem increasingly seen as a social and security threat.
As recruitment exercises loom, one thing is certain: the Federal Government is drawing a firm line — and only those who cross it clean will earn a place in Nigeria’s public service.
About The Author
