The Nigeria Customs Service has screened out 397 applicants from its recent recruitment exercise over substance abuse (excluding cigarettes and alcohol), physical fitness deficiencies, medical records, age discrepancies, documentation problems and other irregularities.
National Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Maiwada disclosed this in a statement, stressing the service’s determination to maintain strict recruitment standards.
“During the screening exercise, issues relating to substance abuse (cigarettes and alcohol exclusive), physical fitness, medical records, age and submitted documentation were identified among 397 applicants. Some candidates were also rejected due to identified irregularities in their selection process during the screening exercise,” Maiwada said.
He noted that the findings underscore the NCS’s commitment to ensuring that only candidates who fully meet prescribed requirements are enlisted.
Maiwada acknowledged complaints from some applicants who appeared on the shortlist but were later barred from proceeding to the training college. Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, after meeting some of the aggrieved candidates, directed a case-by-case review to address genuine grievances.
Being named on the final shortlist, he explained, does not automatically guarantee recruitment. “Recruitment into the NCS involves multiple stages of verification, including credential and document checks, physical and endurance assessments, medical examinations and age verification, drug screening and other mandatory requirements,” he said.
Affected candidates have been urged to formally submit their details and complaints to the service’s help desk. Those who take up the review window will undergo fresh screening. Candidates found culpable of criminal acts, including certificate forgery, will be referred to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
Maiwada emphasised that the review would not relax established standards or guarantee automatic admission. He appealed to applicants and the public to remain calm and channel complaints through the designated process, assuring that the exercise would uphold the integrity, fairness and credibility of the recruitment.
The NCS, under CGC Adeniyi, reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and accountable process, insisting it would not compromise the standards required of personnel entrusted with national security, border protection, revenue collection and public safety.
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