The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has opened a review window for applicants rejected throughout its latest recruitment screening train, permitting aggrieved candidates to submit complaints for a case-by-case reassessment.
The Service stated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, accepted the review after assembly with among the affected applicants, who have been shortlisted for recruitment however subsequently disqualified from continuing to the coaching school.
According to a press release issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, by the NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the review is meant to make sure that professional complaints are examined with out compromising established recruitment requirements.
The Service clarified that showing on the ultimate shortlist doesn’t mechanically assure enlistment, as candidates should fulfill a number of obligatory screening necessities earlier than admission into coaching.
Why Customs rejected some applicants
The NCS stated its screening train recognized points involving 397 applicants, together with issues referring to substance use, bodily health, medical information, age verification and submitted documentation.
It clarified that the substance-use findings excluded cigarettes and alcohol.
Some candidates have been additionally disqualified over irregularities recognized of their choice course of throughout the screening train.
- “The Service recognises the concerns raised by affected applicants and assures the public that the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, after meeting with some of the aggrieved applicants, has called for a case-by-case reappraisal to ensure legitimate complaints are heard,” the assertion learn partially.
The Service stated the findings strengthened the necessity to preserve recruitment requirements and be sure that solely candidates who meet all prescribed necessities are enlisted.
How rejected applicants can attraction
The NCS has directed applicants who consider they have been unfairly disqualified to submit their particulars and complaints by way of its designated electronic mail handle [[email protected]]
- Affected candidates are anticipated to supply correct info to facilitate the review of their instances.
- However, the Service careworn that submitting a criticism wouldn’t mechanically qualify an applicant for admission into the coaching school.
- Candidates whose complaints are accepted for additional consideration will endure recent screening to find out whether or not they meet the recruitment necessities.
- The NCS additionally warned that applicants discovered to have engaged in prison conduct, together with certificates fraud and different offences, could be referred for applicable authorized motion and prosecution.
It stated the review course of wouldn’t represent a waiver of established requirements or an computerized assure of enlistment.
Customs insists on clear recruitment
The Service urged affected applicants and members of the general public to stay calm and use the designated channel to submit their complaints.
It reiterated its dedication to a reputable, clear and accountable recruitment course of, noting that personnel should meet the requirements required for nationwide safety, border safety, income assortment and public security.
The review comes because the NCS continues to implement reforms geared toward bettering operational effectivity, strengthening enforcement and growing income assortment.
Customs generates N4.03 trillion in H1 2026
Separately, the NCS generated N4.03 trillion in income within the first half of 2026, exceeding its mid-year projections and sustaining its progress in the direction of an annual income goal of N11 trillion.
- Adeniyi disclosed the figures in a compendium, attributing the efficiency to automation, intelligence-led enforcement and efforts to eradicate human discretion from core customs processes.
- He stated the reforms have been driving important income development with out undermining commerce.
The income efficiency highlights the Service’s rising fiscal position, because it seeks to enhance compliance, strengthen border controls and streamline customs operations.
