RismadarVoice Reporters
October 19, 2026
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a review of complaints involving 397 applicants disqualified during its recent recruitment screening exercise, despite having been shortlisted for training.
The decision followed a directive by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, after an engagement with some of the affected candidates.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS said the review would be conducted individually to ensure that legitimate complaints receive appropriate consideration.
The Service explained that inclusion on the final recruitment shortlist did not constitute automatic employment or guarantee admission into its training institutions.
According to the statement, applicants were required to satisfy several screening conditions, including verification of academic credentials, physical fitness assessments, medical examinations, age eligibility checks and drug screening.
The NCS disclosed that irregularities were identified in the records or screening outcomes of 397 applicants.
The issues reportedly involved medical fitness, suspected substance use, discrepancies in age declarations, documentation concerns and irregularities associated with the selection process.
However, the Service said applicants who believe they were wrongly disqualified would be given an opportunity to present their complaints for further examination.
Affected candidates have been directed to submit their details and supporting information through the official email address, helpdesk@customs.gov.ng.
The Customs authorities emphasised that the review would not automatically overturn any disqualification, as applicants whose complaints are considered valid may still be required to undergo fresh screening.
The Service maintained that recruitment standards would not be relaxed, stressing that every successful candidate must meet the established requirements before being admitted for training.
It also warned that applicants found to have engaged in criminal conduct, including certificate forgery or fraudulent documentation, could be referred to relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation and possible prosecution.
The NCS urged affected applicants to remain calm and avoid unauthorised channels or intermediaries while seeking clarification about their recruitment status.
The planned review is expected to provide an opportunity for the Service to examine disputed decisions while maintaining the transparency, fairness and integrity of its recruitment procedures.
No date has been announced for the completion of the review or the release of its findings.
