The Nigeria Public Service has been plagued with a slew of troubles impacting its efficiency and effectiveness. Notable among this is the rising cases of drug abuse among the youth entering the labour force.
In response, the Nigerian government has approved drug testing before the hiring of applicants into public service, finally taking a proactive approach towards prevention.
The circular, distributed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, mandates all MDAs to incorporate drug testing as part of the criteria used during recruitment.
The drug testing is to be carried out in collaboration with the NDLEA and is based on certain standards.
Substance abuse has long been a menace in Nigeria, cutting across all demographics. In the public service environment, it poses an even greater challenge because it affects efficiency at work.
In addition to its impacts on the working world, drug addiction could be potentially hazardous to public health and social stability, including national security.
Reports from the drug control and health sector have shown that drug abuse is prevalent among the youth, who abuse painkillers like Tramadol.
There is also an associated direct financial burden in terms of lost productivity due to drug abuse and higher health care expenditure.
This new policy begins drug testing at the point of entrance into public service to prevent drug-related problems.
As drug testing is incorporated into the employment process, the government seeks to ensure that the country has a healthier and more productive workforce.
The MDAs are to work collaboratively with the NDLEA to ensure that the process takes place with transparency and consistency. This not only emphasises drug testing but also the intention to secure public institutions against practices that might hamper efficiency.
In Western countries like America, drug testing is a common practice in some public institutions, and this is geared towards minimising accidents and enhancing productivity.
Although this policy will serve as a deterrent to drug users among applicants, it does not obviously solve the problem of rehabilitation or prevention.
The process of drug testing can point out where the problem lies, but without treatment and programmes to reorient these individuals, they will simply be left behind.
Another concern is consistency and possible misuse, as well as respect for applicants’ confidentiality.
The introduction of compulsory pre-employment drug testing heralds a major shift in the Nigerian government’s efforts to raise the standards of the public service as it tackles the broader issue of drug abuse.
While it appears that the Nigerian government is taking the first steps in the right direction by aiming to protect productivity at the time of recruitment, it should be noted that the initiative will be better served by complementing it with broader investments in drug education initiatives.
Summary not available at this time.
