Customs Concludes 2025 Recruitment Screening, Nearly 3,000 Candidates Assessed

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has concluded the final phase of its 2025 recruitment exercise, with shortlisted candidates undergoing documentation, physical fitness assessments and medical screening at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The two-week exercise, which began on Monday, September 7, 2026, ended on Saturday, September 19, 2026, with candidates drawn from the Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASCII), Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.

The screening was conducted in batches to ensure an orderly process, minimise congestion and improve the overall experience for candidates.

Speaking on the outcome of the exercise, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resource Development, Frank Onyeka, said the Service had introduced measures to address challenges identified during the earlier phase of the recruitment process.

“We have put measures in place to reduce congestion and ensure a smoother process this week. The gaps identified last week have been addressed, and we do not expect them to recur this week,” Onyeka said.

He also stressed the need for discipline and responsibility among candidates throughout the screening process.

The Deputy Comptroller of Customs and a member of the coordinating team, Adamu Musa, said the exercise had recorded significant improvements, with nearly 3,000 candidates screened without any casualty.

According to him, one of the key improvements was the introduction of personalised screening forms containing candidates’ details and records for the various stages of the assessment.

“Any candidate that has been shortlisted has a form designed especially for him, unlike in the past where you come, they issue you a form, and then some people along the way go and even change some of the records,” Musa explained.

He said the forms contain candidates’ names and other relevant information covering sports, medical screening, documentation and the required checklist, allowing officials to verify information already captured in the recruitment system.

Musa also underscored the importance of continuous manpower development within the Customs Service, noting that the increasing responsibilities of the agency in national security, border protection and other areas require a well-trained and adequately equipped workforce.

He disclosed that candidates were assessed against criteria established by the Service, including age, physical fitness and drug screening.

Musa explained that candidates who test positive for hard drugs, exceed the stipulated age limit or have physical conditions considered capable of affecting their duties may be disqualified, subject to the final decision of the Service’s management.

He urged candidates and members of the public to rely on the Nigeria Customs Service’s official website and verified social media platforms for recruitment information.

He warned that verifying recruitment updates through official channels would help candidates avoid falling victim to fraudulent messages and recruitment scams.