Customs Opens Review Window for Aggrieved Recruitment Applicants

Customs Opens Review Window for Aggrieved Recruitment Applicants

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has opened a fresh window for complaints and case-by-case review for applicants who were screened out of its recent recruitment exercise and subsequently denied admission into the training college despite appearing on the recruitment shortlist.

The Service said the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, approved the review after meeting with some of the affected applicants, assuring them that legitimate concerns would be given appropriate attention.

In a statement issued on October 19, 2026, the NCS acknowledged the concerns raised by the applicants and reiterated its commitment to ensuring fairness, transparency and credibility in the recruitment process.

However, the Service clarified that appearing on the final shortlist does not automatically guarantee enlistment, noting that all applicants must successfully complete the prescribed screening and verification stages.

According to the NCS, the recruitment process involves several mandatory checks, including verification of credentials and submitted documents, physical fitness and endurance assessments, medical examinations, age verification, drug screening and other stipulated requirements.

The Service disclosed that screening irregularities were identified among 397 applicants, involving issues relating to substance abuse, excluding cigarettes and alcohol, physical fitness, medical records, age and submitted documentation.

It added that some candidates were also disqualified over irregularities identified in their selection process.

The NCS explained that the screening measures were necessary to ensure that only candidates who meet the established requirements are considered for enlistment into the Service.

To address genuine grievances, the Service urged affected applicants to submit their details and complaints through its designated email address, **[helpdesk@customs.gov.ng](mailto:helpdesk@customs.gov.ng)**, providing accurate information to facilitate the review of their cases.

It said the initiative was designed to provide an opportunity for legitimate complaints to be examined without compromising the integrity of the recruitment process.

The Service further stated that applicants who take advantage of the review window would undergo fresh screening, stressing that the exercise would not amount to an automatic guarantee of admission into the training college or a waiver of established recruitment standards.

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 NCS called on affected applicants and members of the public to remain calm and use the designated channel to submit their complaints, assuring them that all cases would be considered in line with established procedures.

The Service reaffirmed its commitment to a credible, transparent and accountable recruitment process, emphasising that it 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 NCS, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, mnipr, mniia, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs.