The government is considering introducing an Executive Order that would make drug testing a mandatory requirement for employment in both the public and private sectors, Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka has announced.
Addressing Parliament on Friday, June 25, Mr. Muntaka said the proposed policy is aimed at promoting workplace safety, protecting institutional integrity and discouraging substance abuse, particularly among young people entering the workforce.
“I call on Parliament to support government to introduce an Executive Order that makes mandatory drug tests a pre-employment requisite for entry into the public service and the private sector to safeguard institutional integrity, promote workplace safety and deter drug use among the youth in the working population,” he stated.
The Minister said the proposal forms part of a broader national strategy to tackle drug abuse and strengthen the country’s response to substance use disorders.
He also announced plans to establish rehabilitation centres in every region to provide treatment and support for individuals battling drug addiction.
In addition, Mr. Muntaka outlined several measures the government intends to implement to combat drug abuse, including increasing budgetary support for the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to address critical gaps in intelligence gathering, interception operations and forensic analysis.
He further called for stronger regulatory oversight of pharmaceutical supply chains to curb the diversion and abuse of controlled substances such as Tramadol.
The Interior Minister also advocated for the expansion of drug education and prevention programmes in schools, communities and workplaces, with a particular focus on protecting young people who remain most vulnerable to substance abuse.
