As part of efforts to uphold the integrity of its workforce, the Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the Executive Arm of Government to make drug testing a mandatory requirement for all prospective civil servants during recruitment.
The motion, sponsored on the floor of the House during Tuesday’s plenary sitting by Hon. Dauda Olalere Al-Ameen, the lawmaker representing Ibadan North-West State Constituency, emphasizes the need to prevent individuals with substance abuse issues from occupying sensitive roles in the state’s public service.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that the motion, which was well debated by lawmakers, is particularly targeted at employees in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and security among others.
The House during the legislative deliberation stressed the importance of ensuring that the workforce is free from drug-related impairments, which could compromise efficiency, judgment, and overall service delivery.
The motion sponsor said: “some candidates may have certain dispositions and habits that might not be easily detected through standard oral interviews.
“Among these dispositions is the potential addiction to prohibited substances, which could impair judgment and lead to misbehavior.”
The House acknowledged Governor Seyi Makinde’s achievements in the education sector, particularly the recruitment of over 5,000 teachers and 600 education officers during his first administration.
However, the House pointed out the need for additional safeguards to ensure that individuals entrusted with such responsibilities are not battling drug addiction.
The Assembly in its resolution urged the state government to collaborate with relevant agencies to introduce drug testing as a prerequisite for recruitment across all sectors.
Specific mention was made of positions such as teachers, healthcare workers, and law enforcement officers, including those in the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) and the Amotekun Corps.
The House added that tests should include screening for substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and tramadol, among others, adding that institutionalizing drug testing will enhance the integrity of the workforce, improve security, and protect the interests of the state.