The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has opened a fresh window for reviewing complaints from applicants disqualified during its recent recruitment screening, inviting aggrieved candidates to submit their grievances for case-by-case assessment.
The Service said the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made the decision after meeting with some of the affected applicants, directing that their complaints be reappraised to ensure that legitimate concerns receive appropriate attention.
In a press statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, said the review was aimed at addressing genuine grievances while maintaining the integrity and credibility of the recruitment process.
Maiwada, however, clarified that appearing on the recruitment shortlist does not automatically guarantee enlistment into the Service, noting that applicants must successfully meet all prescribed requirements before proceeding to the training college.
According to him, the recruitment process involves several stages of verification, including credential and document checks, physical fitness and endurance assessments, medical examinations, age verification, drug screening and other mandatory requirements.
He disclosed that screening irregularities involving 397 applicants were identified in areas relating to substance abuse, excluding cigarettes and alcohol, physical fitness, medical records, age and submitted documentation.
Some applicants, he added, were also disqualified over irregularities identified in their selection process.
The Customs spokesperson explained that the Service would not compromise established recruitment standards, stressing that only candidates who satisfy all prescribed conditions would be considered for enlistment.
To facilitate the review, the NCS directed affected applicants who believe they were unfairly disqualified to submit their details and complaints through its designated email address, helpdesk@customs.gov.ng.
The applicants were advised to provide accurate information to enable the Service to examine their cases appropriately.
The statement further explained that candidates who take advantage of the review window would undergo fresh screening, adding that the exercise would not amount to an automatic admission into the training college or a waiver of existing recruitment requirements.
Maiwada 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 Service urged affected candidates and members of the public to remain calm and use the designated channel to submit their complaints, assuring them that the review would be guided by established procedures.
The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, credible and accountable recruitment process, noting that its personnel play critical roles in national security, border protection, revenue collection and public safety.
Under Adeniyi’s leadership, the Service said it remained open to genuine complaints but would not lower the standards required of officers entrusted with these responsibilities.
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