By Peace Udugba
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has opened a review window for applicants who were screened out of its recent recruitment exercise despite appearing on the recruitment shortlist.
The Service said the decision followed complaints from affected applicants, adding that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has directed a case-by-case review to ensure that legitimate grievances receive appropriate attention.
In a statement issued on October 19, 2026, the NCS acknowledged the concerns raised by the applicants and reaffirmed its commitment to a fair, transparent and credible recruitment process.
However, the Service clarified that appearing on the final shortlist does not automatically guarantee enlistment, explaining that recruitment involves several stages of verification and screening.
According to the NCS, these include credential and document verification, physical fitness and endurance assessments, medical examinations, age verification, drug screening and other mandatory requirements.
The Service disclosed that 397 applicants were identified during the screening exercise in connection with issues relating to substance use, excluding cigarettes and alcohol, physical fitness, medical records, age and submitted documentation.
It added that some applicants were also disqualified over irregularities identified in their selection process.
The NCS said the screening requirements were necessary to ensure that only candidates who met the prescribed standards were considered for enlistment.
To address genuine complaints, the Service has directed aggrieved applicants to submit their details and grievances through its designated email address, helpdesk@customs.gov.ng.
Affected candidates were advised to provide accurate information to facilitate the examination of their cases.
The Service explained that the initiative was designed to give legitimate complaints appropriate consideration while preserving the integrity, fairness and credibility of the recruitment process.
It further stated that applicants seeking a review would undergo fresh screening. However, where investigations establish criminal conduct, including certificate fraud and other offences, the individuals involved would be referred for appropriate legal action and prosecution.
The NCS emphasised that the review exercise would neither waive established recruitment requirements nor guarantee automatic admission into its training college.
The Service urged affected applicants and members of the public to remain calm and use the designated channel to submit their complaints.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the NCS said it would remain open to genuine grievances but would not compromise the standards required of personnel responsible for national security, border protection, revenue collection and public safety.
The statement was signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, mnipr, mniia, a Deputy Comptroller of Customs, on behalf of the Comptroller-General.
