BY EMMA PETER, ABUJA
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has opened a fresh window for applicants dissatisfied with the outcome of its recent recruitment screening exercise to submit their complaints for review on a case-by-case basis.
The Service said the decision followed concerns raised by some applicants who appeared on the recruitment shortlist but were subsequently screened out and denied admission into the training college.
According to a press statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, on Monday, October 19, 2026, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, had met with some aggrieved applicants and directed that their complaints be reappraised individually.
The Service, however, clarified that appearing on the final recruitment shortlist does not automatically guarantee enlistment, noting that all candidates must successfully complete the prescribed screening and verification processes before being considered for admission into the training college.
It explained that the recruitment process involves several stages, including verification of credentials and documents, physical fitness and endurance assessments, medical examinations, age verification, drug screening and other mandatory requirements.
According to the statement, screening officials identified issues involving 397 applicants, including concerns relating to substance abuse, excluding cigarettes and alcohol, physical fitness, medical records, age and submitted documentation.
The Service added that some candidates were also disqualified over irregularities identified in their selection process during the screening exercise.
It maintained that the screening requirements were designed to ensure that only candidates who met the established standards were considered for enlistment into the Service.
To address genuine grievances, the NCS urged affected applicants to submit their details and complaints through its designated email address, helpdesk@customs.gov.ng, for appropriate examination.
Applicants were advised to provide accurate information to facilitate the review of their cases, with the Service stressing that the initiative was intended to give legitimate complaints due attention while protecting the fairness, credibility and integrity of the recruitment exercise.
The statement further disclosed that applicants seeking to benefit from the fresh review window would undergo another screening exercise.
It warned that where investigations establish criminal conduct, including certificate fraud and other offences, the individuals involved would be referred for appropriate legal action and prosecution.
The Customs Service emphasised that the review process should not be interpreted as a relaxation of recruitment requirements or an automatic guarantee of admission into the training college.
It called on affected applicants and members of the public to remain calm and channel their complaints through the designated platform, assuring them that the review would be conducted in accordance with established procedures.
The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, credible and accountable recruitment process under the leadership of Adeniyi and the Service’s management.
It stressed that while it remained open to genuine complaints, it would not compromise the standards required of personnel responsible for national security, border protection, revenue collection and public safety.
