Customs Screens 3000 Candidates As 2025 Recruitment Ends

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has
screened 3,000 candidates shortlisted for the post of Assistant Superintendent of Customs II, ASCII, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres, signaling the end of 2025 recruitment exercise.

Conducted in batches for an orderly proc ess and to reduce congestion at the centre, the screening commenced on Monday, 7 September 2026, even as the shortlisted candidates completed documentation, physical fitness assessments, and medical screenings at the Training and Doctrine Command, TRADOC, Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resource Development, Frank Onyeka noted that measures were implemented to address gaps identified during the earlier phase, improve the screening process, and ensure greater efficiency.

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

He emphasised the importance of discipline and responsibility among candidates.

Deputy Comptroller of Customs and member of the coordinating team, Adamu Musa disclosed that the exercise had recorded significant improvements, with close to 3,000 candidates screened without any casualty.

He attributed the progress to the introduction of personalised screening forms containing candidates’ records across the various assessment stages.

“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.

"These forms come with the candidates’ records, including their names and details for sports, medical, documentation, and the checklist of required items. So, once the candidate comes, you just verify what you already have from the system,” Musa said.

He harped on the importance of continuous manpower development to strengthen the Service’s capacity to meet its evolving responsibilities in national security, border protection, and other services to the nation.

The DCG maintained that the growing demands on Customs underscored the need to continually improve its workforce, adding that candidates would be evaluated based on criteria set by the Service, including age, physical fitness, and drug screening.

He stated that candidates who tested positive for hard drugs, exceeded the stipulated age limit, or have physical conditions that may affect their duties could be disqualified, subject to management’s final decision.

Musa advised candidates and members of the public to verify recruitment information through the Service’s official website and verified social media platforms to avoid fraudulent messages.