Government considers mandatory drug tests before public service recruitment – Muntaka

Government officials are considering mandatory drug tests for individuals applying to public sector employment, according to the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka. The Ministry of the Interior is drafting an Information Paper to present to Cabinet, aiming to exclude those with drug-related issues from joining the public service.

The proposal follows the results of this year's security services recruitment, during which over 100,000 applicants were screened, including drug and mental health assessments. More than 6,000 candidates were disqualified after testing positive for drugs, while about 2,000 were rejected due to mental health concerns. Muntaka emphasized the importance of addressing drug abuse among prospective public servants, acknowledging that some current security service personnel also struggle with substance abuse.

Concerning drug use in secondary schools, Muntaka highlighted instances of students selling tramadol and other harmful substances. He cautioned students against succumbing to peer pressure and discouraged resorting to drugs, even in cases of financial difficulties. Muntaka shared his own story of rising from a porridge seller's son to become a Member of Parliament, emphasizing that hope should never be lost despite challenges.

The newly constructed six-unit first-floor classroom block at Sakafiya Islamic Senior High School was also commissioned, aiming to provide a better environment for teaching and learning.