By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a case-by-case review of complaints from applicants disqualified during its recent recruitment exercise, while stressing that the review does not guarantee automatic admission into the Service.
According to an official statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi directed the reappraisal after meeting with some aggrieved applicants.
The affected candidates were reportedly screened out and denied progression to the training college despite appearing on the recruitment shortlist.
The Service acknowledged their concerns but clarified that inclusion on the final shortlist does not automatically qualify any applicant for enlistment, as candidates must satisfy all mandatory recruitment requirements.
It explained that the screening process involves credential and document verification, physical fitness and endurance assessments, medical examinations, age verification, drug screening and other prescribed checks.
According to the statement, screening exercises identified issues relating to substance abuse, excluding cigarettes and alcohol, physical fitness, medical records, age and submitted documentation among 397 applicants. Some candidates were also rejected over irregularities identified in their selection process.
To address genuine grievances, the NCS has directed affected applicants to submit their details and complaints through helpdesk@customs.gov.ng for consideration.
The Service said applicants seeking to benefit from the review would undergo fresh screening, adding that accurate information would be necessary to facilitate the examination of their cases.
It, however, warned that the review would not amount to a waiver of established recruitment standards or confer an automatic right to admission into the training college.
The NCS further stated 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 utilise the designated complaint channel, assuring them that the review would be conducted in line with established procedures and the principles of fairness, transparency and accountability.
It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the standards required of personnel responsible for national security, border protection, revenue collection and public safety, noting that genuine complaints would be considered without compromising the integrity of the recruitment process.
