FG begins mandatory drug test for public service applicants

Akume

The Federal Government has approved mandatory pre-employment drug testing for prospective public service applicants, as part of efforts to tackle the growing problem of illicit drug use and its impact on national development and security.

In a statement on Monday, Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, said Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments and Parastatals have been directed to make drug testing a core requirement for all new recruits.

“The Federal Government has approved the introduction of mandatory pre-employment drug testing as a requirement for prospective applicants into the public service, as part of ongoing efforts to curb the rising menace of illicit drug use and its attendant consequences on national development and security. Consequently, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments/Parastatals are hereby directed to include mandatory drug testing as a core requirement in the recruitment of new personnel,” the statement read.

Imohiosen added that ministries, departments, and agencies are to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to conduct the tests according to established standards and procedures. Punch