By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has concluded the final phase of its 2024/2025 recruitment exercise, with shortlisted candidates undergoing documentation, physical fitness assessments and medical screening at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Gwagwalada, Abuja.
The two-week exercise, which began on Monday, September 7, 2026, ended on Saturday, September 19, covering candidates across the Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II), Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.
The screening was conducted in batches to ensure an orderly process and minimise congestion at the centre.
Speaking on the outcome of the exercise, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resource Development, Frank Onyeka, said measures had been introduced to address gaps identified during the earlier phase and improve efficiency.
“We have put measures in place to reduce congestion and ensure a smoother process this week. The gaps identified last week have been addressed, and we do not expect them to recur this week,” Onyeka said.
He also emphasised the importance of discipline and responsibility among candidates throughout the recruitment process.
Also speaking, Deputy Comptroller of Customs and member of the coordinating team, Adamu Musa, said the exercise had recorded significant improvements, with close to 3,000 candidates screened without any reported casualty.
According to Musa, the introduction of personalised screening forms containing candidates’ records across the various assessment stages had helped to streamline the process.
He explained that each shortlisted candidate was assigned a form containing relevant personal information and details required for sports, medical screening, documentation and other stages of the exercise.
Musa said the system enabled officials to verify candidates’ information against records already captured in the recruitment system, reducing the possibility of alterations during the screening process.
He stressed the importance of continuous manpower development to strengthen the NCS’s capacity to respond to its responsibilities in national security, border protection and other areas of national service.
Musa said the increasing demands on the Service made continuous improvement of its workforce necessary.
He further disclosed that candidates would be assessed against criteria established by the Service, including age, physical fitness and drug screening.
He said candidates who test positive for hard drugs, exceed the stipulated age limit or have physical conditions that could affect their ability to perform their duties may be disqualified, subject to the final decision of the NCS management.
Musa also advised candidates and members of the public to rely on the NCS’s official website and verified social media platforms for recruitment information and to avoid fraudulent messages.
The Nigeria Customs Service currently publishes recruitment notices and final lists through its official recruitment portal.
