Nigeria Customs Opens Review Window for 397 Disqualified Recruitment Applicants After CG Meets Aggrieved Candidates

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has opened a fresh review of complaints from 397 applicants who were disqualified during its recent recruitment screening exercise despite appearing on the training shortlist.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, ordered a case-by-case reassessment after meeting with some of the aggrieved applicants, according to a statement issued on Monday by the NCS National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada.

The Service acknowledged the concerns raised by candidates who were screened out and subsequently not allowed to proceed to the training college. “The Service recognises the concerns raised by affected applicants and assures the public that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, after meeting with some of the aggrieved applicants, has called for a case-by-case reappraisal to ensure legitimate complaints are heard,” the statement read.

Customs clarified that appearing on the final shortlist did not automatically guarantee enlistment, as applicants were required to undergo several stages of verification, including credential checks, physical fitness assessments, medical examinations, age verification and drug screening.

The screening irregularities involving the 397 applicants were identified in areas including substance use, physical fitness, medical records, age and submitted documentation. Some candidates were also disqualified over irregularities identified in their selection process.

The Service urged affected applicants who believe they were unfairly disqualified to submit their details and complaints to helpdesk@customs.gov.ng for review. It stressed that applicants seeking reconsideration would be subjected to fresh screening, and the review would not automatically guarantee admission into the training college.

Customs further 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 review of complaints will not constitute a waiver of established standards or an automatic guarantee of admission into training,” the Service stated, while urging affected candidates and the general public to remain calm and use the designated channel to submit their complaints.