The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has ordered a case-by-case review of complaints from applicants who were screened out during its recent recruitment exercise.
The affected candidates were denied admission to the training college despite appearing on the recruitment shortlist.
In a statement issued by its National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the Service acknowledged the concerns raised by the applicants and assured the public that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, had called for a case-by-case review after meeting with some of the aggrieved candidates to ensure that legitimate complaints were heard.
The Service, however, clarified that inclusion on the final shortlist does not automatically guarantee enlistment into the Service.
Maiwada explained that recruitment into the NCS involves multiple stages of verification, including credential and document checks, physical fitness and endurance assessments, medical examinations, age verification, drug screening, and other mandatory requirements.
He affirmed that during the screening exercise, issues relating to substance use, physical fitness, medical records, age, and submitted documentation were identified among 397 applicants. The statement specified that the substance-use concerns excluded cigarettes and alcohol.
“Some candidates were also rejected due to identified irregularities in their selection process during the screening exercise. These findings underscore the Service’s commitment to upholding established recruitment standards and ensuring that only candidates who satisfy all prescribed requirements are considered for enlistment into the Service,” the statement said.
To address genuine concerns, the Service urged candidates who felt aggrieved by the screening exercise to submit their details and complaints formally via helpdesk@customs.gov.ng.
It also advised affected applicants to provide accurate information to facilitate the examination of their cases, noting that the initiative was intended to ensure that legitimate concerns received appropriate attention while preserving the integrity, fairness, and credibility of the recruitment process.
Maiwada added that applicants seeking to benefit from the new review window would undergo fresh screening. He warned that individuals found to have engaged in criminal conduct, including certificate fraud and other offences, would be referred for appropriate legal action and prosecution.
He stressed that the review would not constitute a waiver of established standards or automatically guarantee admission to the training college.
The Service urged applicants and the general public to remain calm and use the designated channel to submit complaints. It assured them that the review would follow established procedures and uphold the integrity of the Service.
The NCS, under the leadership of CGC Adeniyi and its management, reaffirmed its commitment to a credible, transparent, and accountable recruitment process.
It further reiterated that while it remained open to genuine complaints from affected applicants, it would not compromise the standards required of personnel entrusted with national security, border protection, revenue collection, and public safety responsibilities.
