Customs to rescreen 397 rejected applicants after recruitment complaints

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has opened a fresh review of complaints from rejected recruitment applicants, saying 397 candidates were flagged over issues including medical records, age discrepancies, physical fitness and documentation irregularities.

The Service said the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, ordered a case-by-case review after meeting some aggrieved applicants who were shortlisted but later barred from proceeding to the training college.

In a statement issued on Monday, the NCS said inclusion on the final shortlist did not automatically guarantee enlistment, as candidates were still required to pass mandatory verification and screening procedures.

The screening covered credentials and documents, physical and endurance assessments, medical examinations, age verification and drug tests.

The Service said the 397 applicants were flagged for various reasons, including substance-related concerns, excluding cigarettes and alcohol, medical issues, physical fitness, age and submitted documentation. Some candidates were also rejected over irregularities identified in their selection process.

To address complaints, the NCS directed affected applicants to submit their details and grievances through helpdesk@customs.gov.ng for review.

It said applicants seeking reconsideration would undergo fresh screening, stressing that the review would not automatically secure them admission into the training programme or exempt them from established requirements.

The Service warned that applicants found to have engaged in criminal conduct, including certificate fraud, would be referred for appropriate legal action and prosecution.

“The review of complaints will not constitute a waiver of established standards or an automatic guarantee of admission into training,” the statement said.

The NCS urged applicants to remain calm and use the designated email channel to submit accurate information, adding that the review was intended to ensure legitimate complaints received attention without compromising the integrity of the recruitment exercise.

The statement, signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to a transparent and accountable recruitment process.

It added that the NCS would not compromise the standards required of personnel responsible for border protection, revenue collection, national security and public safety.