By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has opened a fresh window for complaints from applicants disqualified during its recent recruitment screening, following concerns raised by candidates who were shortlisted but later prevented from proceeding to the training college.
The Service said 397 applicants were flagged during the screening exercise over issues relating to substance abuse, physical fitness, medical records, age verification and submitted documentation, while some candidates were also rejected over irregularities identified in their selection process.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, the NCS National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, said the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, had directed a case-by-case reappraisal of complaints after meeting with some aggrieved applicants.
The review is intended to ensure that legitimate grievances receive appropriate attention without compromising the standards governing recruitment into the Service.
According to the NCS, inclusion on the final shortlist does not automatically guarantee enlistment, as candidates must successfully complete all mandatory verification and screening stages before being admitted into the training college.
The Service explained that its recruitment process involves credential and document verification, physical and endurance assessments, medical examinations, age verification, drug screening and other prescribed requirements.
It stressed that only applicants who satisfy all established conditions would be considered for enlistment.
To address concerns arising from the screening exercise, the NCS has directed affected applicants to submit their details and complaints through its designated email address, helpdesk@customs.gov.ng.
The Service urged applicants to provide accurate information to enable the appropriate examination of their cases, describing the initiative as an avenue for resolving genuine grievances while preserving the fairness and credibility of the recruitment process.
It added that the review would be guided by established procedures and would not amount to an automatic reversal of previous disqualifications.
Applicants seeking reconsideration will also be subjected to fresh screening to determine whether they meet the requirements for enlistment.
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The Customs Service warned that applicants found to have engaged in criminal conduct, including certificate fraud and other offences, would be referred to the appropriate authorities for legal action and prosecution.
It emphasised that the complaint review mechanism would not serve as a waiver of recruitment standards or guarantee admission into the training college.
The Service maintained that its recruitment requirements were necessary to ensure that personnel entrusted with national security, border protection, revenue collection and public safety responsibilities met the prescribed standards.
The NCS also urged applicants and members of the public to remain calm and use the designated channel to submit their complaints rather than rely on unofficial processes.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Service said it remained open to genuine complaints but would not compromise the integrity of its recruitment process.
The fresh review provides an opportunity for affected candidates to have their cases reconsidered, although their eventual enlistment will depend on the outcome of further screening and compliance with the Service’s established requirements.
