WorldStage— The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has opened a fresh review of complaints from applicants disqualified during its recent recruitment exercise, saying affected candidates will undergo another screening but are not guaranteed admission into the training college.
The service said its Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, ordered a case-by-case review after meeting with some of the aggrieved applicants.
In a statement by the the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, the Service said the review was intended to ensure that legitimate complaints were considered without compromising recruitment standards.
It stressed that inclusion on the final shortlist did not guarantee enlistment, explaining that candidates were still required to pass several verification stages, including credential checks, physical fitness assessments, medical examinations, age verification and drug screening.
“The Service recognises the concerns raised by affected applicants and assures the public that the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), 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.
The NCS, however, clarified that appearing on the final shortlist did not automatically qualify an applicant for enlistment, noting that recruitment involved several stages of verification and assessment.
According to the Service, issues relating to substance use, excluding cigarettes and alcohol, physical fitness, medical records, age and submitted documents were identified among 397 applicants during screening.
It added that some candidates were also disqualified over irregularities identified in their selection process.
“These findings underscore the Service’s commitment to upholding established recruitment standards and ensuring that only candidates who satisfy all prescribed requirements are considered for enlistment into the Service,” the statement said.
To address the complaints, the Customs Service directed affected applicants to submit their details and grievances through its designated email address, helpdesk@customs.gov.ng.
The Service advised applicants to provide accurate information to facilitate the review of their cases.
It also warned that candidates who take advantage of the new review window would be subjected to fresh screening, while those found to have engaged in criminal conduct could face prosecution.
“Where investigations establish criminal conduct, including certificate fraud or other offenses, the individuals involved will be referred for appropriate legal action and prosecution,” the statement added.
The NCS stressed that the review would not amount to a waiver of recruitment requirements or guarantee admission into the training college.
“The review of complaints will not constitute a waiver of established standards or an automatic guarantee of admission into training,” it said.
The Service urged applicants and members of the public to remain calm and use the designated channel to submit complaints, reaffirming its commitment to a transparent and accountable recruitment process.
It maintained that it would not compromise the standards required of personnel responsible for national security, border protection, revenue collection and public safety.
