The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has opened a fresh review process for applicants who were disqualified during its recent recruitment screening, following complaints from candidates who appeared on the shortlist but were prevented from proceeding to the training college.
The Service said the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, directed a case-by-case reassessment of complaints after meeting with some aggrieved applicants.
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In a statement issued on October 19, 2026, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the review was intended to ensure that genuine complaints received appropriate attention while maintaining the integrity of the recruitment process.
Maiwada explained that appearing on the final shortlist did not automatically guarantee enlistment, noting that recruitment into the Service involved several stages of verification, including credential checks, physical fitness assessments, medical examinations, age verification and drug screening.
According to him, screening officers identified issues involving substance abuse, excluding cigarettes and alcohol, physical fitness, medical records, age and submitted documents among 397 applicants. Some candidates were also disqualified over irregularities identified in their selection process.
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The NCS urged affected applicants who believe their disqualification was unjustified to submit their details and complaints through its designated email address, helpdesk@customs.gov.ng, with accurate information to facilitate the review.
The statement added that candidates seeking a fresh assessment would undergo another screening exercise. However, the review would not automatically guarantee admission into the training college or exempt applicants from the established recruitment requirements.
It further warned that applicants found to have engaged in criminal conduct, including certificate fraud and other offences, would be referred for appropriate legal action and prosecution.
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The Service appealed to affected candidates and the general public to remain calm and use the designated complaints channel, assuring them that the process would be guided by established procedures.
The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, fair and accountable recruitment exercise, stressing that it would not compromise the standards required of personnel responsible for national security, border protection, revenue collection and public safety.
