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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.
Chairperson, NLC Lagos State Chapter, Funmi Sesi, said the drug testing was a step towards improving productivity and workplace safety.
She said the policy would tackle the growing challenge of drug misuse and abuse among youths and adults, which she noted 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 submitted that similar drug testing measures were 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 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 the government to be committed at enforcing the policy and ensuring that it contributed to building a healthier, more productive workforce and a safer society.
