The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all applicants seeking positions in the Nigerian Public Service.
The directive, issued in a circular dated December 22, 2025, by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), requires all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to integrate drug screening into their recruitment processes.
Under the new policy, all permanent secretaries and heads of MDAs must ensure drug testing is a core requirement for new recruits.
MDAs are instructed to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to conduct these tests according to established standards and procedures.
The government cited the alarming rate of illicit drug use among Nigerian youth as the primary reason for the policy, warning that substance abuse poses serious risks to public health, workplace productivity, socio-economic development, and national security.
The measure is seen as a preventive step to promote a disciplined and productive public service, though observers have called for clear guidelines and due process to ensure transparency and protect applicants’ rights.
The new requirement is expected to take effect across MDAs as recruitment processes are updated in line with the circular. The Federal Government emphasized its commitment to tackling drug abuse and safeguarding the integrity of the national workforce.