The Nigeria Customs Service has opened a fresh review for applicants who were rejected during its recent recruitment screening despite appearing on the shortlist.
The review affects candidates who were screened out before proceeding to the Customs Training College and believe their cases were wrongly decided.
The Service said complaints will be considered individually and affected applicants can now send their details directly to its recruitment helpdesk.
The decision followed complaints from candidates and a meeting between Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and some of the affected applicants.
The Comptroller General subsequently ordered a case by case reassessment to give legitimate complaints another review.
397 Applicants Had Issues During Screening
The Customs Service said screening identified concerns involving 397 applicants.
The cases covered:
- Substance use
- Physical fitness
- Medical records
- Age
- Submitted documents
The Service clarified that cigarettes and alcohol were not included in the substance abuse category referenced in its findings.
Other candidates were also rejected after irregularities were discovered in their selection process.
The figures explain why some candidates who had already appeared on recruitment lists did not eventually proceed to training.
Why Shortlisted Candidates Were Still Rejected
Publication of a candidate’s name on the recruitment list was not the final stage of the Nigeria Customs recruitment exercise.
Shortlisted applicants were still required to pass further checks before enlistment.
The screening covered:
- Verification of certificates and credentials
- Verification of other submitted documents
- Physical fitness tests
- Endurance assessment
- Medical examination
- Age verification
- Drug screening
The NCS had earlier instructed shortlisted candidates to attend physical screening and documentation at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
Candidates were required to present their NIN, age document, educational certificates, state of origin certificate, passport photographs, guarantor’s form and NYSC certificate where applicable.
This means appearing on the shortlist did not remove the requirement to pass physical, medical and document checks.
Who Can Request a Review?
The new review process is specifically for applicants who:
- Were part of the recruitment exercise
- Appeared on the shortlist
- Were subsequently screened out
- Did not proceed to training
- Believe there is a genuine reason their case should be reconsidered
The announcement does not reopen Customs recruitment for new applicants.
It also does not allow people who were never shortlisted to enter through the complaint process.
How Rejected Applicants Can Submit Their Complaint
Affected candidates should send their details and complaint to:
The NCS asked applicants to provide accurate information so their cases can be identified and examined properly.
Applicants should include information that links the complaint to their recruitment record.
Useful details include:
- Full name
- NIN
- Application or recruitment number
- Cadre
- Position
- State of origin
- Phone number
- Email address
- Date of screening
- Explanation of the screening decision being challenged
Supporting documents should relate directly to the complaint.
For example, a person challenging an issue involving a qualification should provide the genuine certificate connected to that claim.
Candidates Will Be Screened Again
The most important part of the review is that reconsidered applicants will not simply be sent directly to training.
The Nigeria Customs Service said affected candidates using the review window will undergo fresh screening.
The new screening does not remove any existing recruitment requirement.
An applicant will still need to meet the standards that apply to the position.
This means the review gives a candidate another examination of the disputed decision, not automatic enlistment.
Review Does Not Guarantee Training Admission
The NCS expressly stated that having a complaint reviewed does not guarantee admission into the Customs Training College.
A candidate can submit a legitimate complaint and still fail the new screening if the person does not satisfy the prescribed requirements.
This distinction is particularly important for applicants who interpreted publication of their names on the shortlist as confirmation of final employment.
The recruitment process remained subject to successful completion of the required screening stages.
Fraudulent Documents Can Trigger Legal Action
Customs also warned candidates against using the review opportunity to submit false documents.
Where an investigation establishes criminal conduct, including certificate fraud, the case can be referred to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
Applicants should therefore use the same authentic personal, educational and recruitment information connected to their application.
Customs Training Had Already Started
The Nigeria Customs recruitment portal instructed candidates cleared for basic training to report to the Customs Training College, Ikeja, on October 9, 2026.
The portal listed personal items successful trainees were expected to bring, including white T shirts and shorts, white canvas shoes, bedding, writing materials and sports kits.
The new complaint review concerns candidates who did not proceed with that group because they had been screened out.
No Closing Date Announced
The Customs statement did not announce a closing date for the complaint review.
Affected candidates who intend to challenge their screening outcome should use the designated email channel and provide complete information.
There is also no separate public appeal form announced for the exercise.
The designated complaint email is:
What Applicants Should Understand
The fresh review does not mean the Nigeria Customs Service has cancelled the results of the screening exercise.
It means candidates who believe a genuine mistake occurred now have a route to present their cases.
Each complaint will be examined individually.
Candidates whose cases proceed will face fresh screening, and only applicants who satisfy the required recruitment standards can continue toward enlistment.
The NCS said the arrangement is intended to address genuine complaints while retaining the physical, medical, documentation and integrity requirements of the recruitment exercise.
???? Stay Empowered with ZOEEB
Join our community for daily updates on jobs, skills, and financial growth opportunities.
