Tinubu Government Mandates Pre-Employment Drug Testing for All Nigerian Public Servants to Combat Rising Substance Abuse

The Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, has introduced mandatory pre-employment drug testing for all prospective public service applicants. The directive, issued via a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), requires Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to collaborate with the NDLEA in testing recruits. The initiative aims to curb illicit drug and substance abuse among Nigerian youth and enhance workplace productivity, public health, and national security. Permanent Secretaries and heads of parastatals must now make drug testing a core recruitment requirement.