NLC backs mandatory drug test for job applicants

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed support for the Federal Government’s directive on mandatory pre-employment drug testing for prospective public service employees.

The Chairperson, NLC Lagos State Chapter, Funmi Sesi gave the support on Monday in an interview with our correspondent

Sesi said that the mandatory pre-employment drug testing was a step toward improving productivity and workplace safety.

She said that the policy would tackle the growing challenge of drug misuse and abuse among youths and adults, which had negatively affected work output, health and general efficiency in many organisations.

According to her, substance abuse has a direct impact on workers’ performance and productivity, making it necessary for employers to ensure that individuals recruited into the public service are fit for duty.

The chairperson noted that similar drug testing measure was already in place in universities, where students were subjected to screening before admission, adding that extending the practice to employment was a logical move to promote discipline and accountability.

She, however, raised concerns about possible abuse of the policy, warning against false-positive results that could arise from prescribed medications or certain foods.

Sesi also advocated that the testing process must be transparent to prevent its misuse for favoritism or victimisation by officials.

The chairperson suggested that the policy should be implemented in a manner that would guarantee fairness, accuracy and respect for the rights of applicants.

She said: “A drug-free workforce will help reduce workplace accidents, improve workers’ health and lead to cost savings from fewer drug-related illnesses and incidents.

“The policy will also enhance safety and efficiency in critical sectors such as the military and paramilitary services, where alertness and sound judgment are highly essential.

“Widespread adoption of drug testing will contribute to reducing the prevalence of illicit substance use in the society and support broader efforts to curb drug abuse among young people.”

She urged government to be committed at enforcing the policy and ensuring that it contributed to building a healthier, more productive workforce and a safer society.