Customs Opens Review Window for 397 Rejected Recruitment Applicants

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has opened a fresh window for complaints from applicants who were screened out of its recent recruitment exercise despite appearing on the recruitment shortlist.

The Service said the decision followed concerns raised by affected applicants, adding that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, had met with some of the aggrieved candidates and directed a case-by-case review of their complaints.

In a press statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, the NCS said the review was intended to ensure that legitimate grievances received appropriate attention while maintaining the integrity and credibility of the recruitment process.

According to the Service, inclusion on the final shortlist does not automatically guarantee enlistment, as applicants must pass several stages of verification and screening before they can be admitted into the training college.

The Customs Service explained that the screening process involves credential and document verification, physical fitness and endurance assessments, medical examinations, age verification, drug screening and other mandatory requirements.

It disclosed that issues relating to substance abuse, excluding cigarettes and alcohol, physical fitness, medical records, age and submitted documents were identified among 397 applicants during the screening exercise.

The Service added that some candidates were also rejected following the discovery of irregularities in their selection process.

To address genuine complaints, the NCS urged affected applicants to submit their details and grievances through its designated email address, helpdesk@customs.gov.ng, advising them to provide accurate information to facilitate the review of their cases.

The Service further stated that applicants who take advantage of the new opportunity would undergo fresh screening, stressing that the review would not automatically guarantee admission into the training programme.

It warned that applicants found to have engaged in criminal conduct, including certificate fraud and other offences, would be referred for appropriate legal action and prosecution.

The NCS called on affected candidates and the general public to remain calm and utilise the designated channel for submitting complaints.

Reaffirming its commitment to a transparent and accountable recruitment process, the Service maintained that it would not compromise the standards required of personnel responsible for national security, border protection, revenue collection and public safety.