Make Mandatory Doping Tests More Intensive

One of the most significant policy announcements made by the federal government recently, especially towards the end of 2025, is its directive on compulsory drug testing for individuals seeking employment in the public service.

Clearly concerned about the threats that drugs and substance abuse pose to citizens’ health and the nation’s peace and security, the federal government has approved mandatory pre-employment drug testing for prospective public service candidates. This initiative, although delayed, underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the worsening problem of drug abuse, which has become alarmingly severe.

Nigeria is facing a growing surge in drug abuse, with records indicating that 14.3 million citizens aged 15 to 64 are misusing drugs. This issue goes beyond mere statistics, as it involves human lives at risk of mental health issues. According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), a staggering 10.6 million people abuse cannabis, placing Nigeria among the countries with the highest number of cannabis users worldwide.

The 2025 World Drug Report published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reveals that Nigeria has a drug use rate of 14.4%, nearly three times the global average. The most commonly abused substances in the country include cannabis, codeine, crack, tramadol, Rohypnol, and skunk. This problem affects all levels of Nigerian society, impacting older individuals, politicians, public office holders, youths (both in and out of school), and married women.

Criminals wreaking havoc on citizens—particularly those attacking communities, killing, and abducting residents—often do so under the influence of hard drugs and other psychotropic substances. The most prevalent crimes in Nigeria, including robbery, prostitution, terrorism, and thuggery, are frequently driven by drug abuse.

The Nigerian government must be deeply concerned about the rising drug abuse, especially among youths, as it directly contributes to the ongoing insecurity that threatens the nation’s unity and endangers the lives and property of its citizens. Nigeria is confronting not only a public health emergency but also challenges related to development, security, and peace-building, all of which are exacerbated by the rising rate of drug abuse.

Concerted efforts are necessary to stem this worrying trend, with agencies like the NDLEA fully funded and supported to combat the menace effectively. Nations committed to addressing the dangers of drug use treat drug abuse with the seriousness it warrants due to its widespread implications, which include the erosion of cherished values as well as hindering a country’s growth and development. No nation can realise its full potential when its most productive segment of the population is engaged in reckless drug abuse.

As a newspaper, we support the directive for compulsory drug tests for those seeking employment in public office. This directive aligns with our views. However, we believe that limiting the tests to those aiming to join the civil service is inadequate. The government should extend the mandatory testing to include all individuals seeking political office, those looking to enlist in security agencies, and those applying for jobs in banks and other vital sectors.

Furthermore, to enhance the effectiveness of this new directive in the fight against drug abuse, the government should also extend testing to all aides appointed to members of the national and state assemblies, as well as other political officeholders. Those who test positive should not only be immediately disqualified but also prosecuted to strengthen the fight against drug abuse.

Nigeria, like any other serious nation, must do everything possible to keep drug addicts out of public office. Drug abuse causes significant damage, not only to our national psyche but also to future generations. All hands must join in this fight.

Therefore, beyond mere rhetoric, the Nigerian government must implement concrete measures to reduce both the supply of drugs entering the country and the demand for them. Achieving this requires rigorously enforcing existing laws, strengthening current legislation, and, most importantly, ensuring that all individuals involved in the supply and demand of illicit drugs and banned substances are brought to justice without favouritism.