By Miriam Humbe
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has acknowledged the concerns raised by the affected applicants who were screened out of the recent recruitment exercise despite appearing on the final shortlist and assured that the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, after meeting with some of the aggrieved applicants, has called for a case-by-case reappraisal to ensure legitimate complaints are heard.
National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement signed on Monday.
The statement said the Service, however, clarified that inclusion in the final shortlist does not automatically guarantee enlistment into the Service.
It explained that recruitment into the NCS involves multiple stages of verification, including credential and document checks, physical and endurance assessments, medical examinations, age verification, drug screening and other mandatory requirements.
“During the screening exercise, issues relating to substance abuse (cigarettes and alcohol exclusive), physical fitness, medical records, age and submitted documentation were identified among 397 applicants.
“Some candidates were also rejected due to identified irregularities in their selection process during the screening exercise,” the statement said.
The NCS said these findings underscore its commitment to upholding established recruitment standards and ensuring that only candidates who satisfy all prescribed requirements are considered for enlistment.
To address genuine concerns, the Service urged all aggrieved candidates to formally forward their details and complaints to helpdesk@customs.gov.ng, advising them to provide accurate information to facilitate examination of their cases.
The initiative, it said, is intended to ensure that legitimate concerns receive appropriate attention while preserving the integrity, fairness and credibility of the recruitment process.
The Service added that aggrieved candidates who take advantage of the new window will be subjected to fresh screening. Where investigations establish criminal conduct, including certificate fraud or other offences, the individuals involved will be referred for appropriate legal action and prosecution.
It stressed that the review of complaints will not constitute a waiver of established standards or an automatic guarantee of admission into training.
The Service urged applicants and the general public to remain calm and utilise the designated channel for submission of complaints, assuring that the review will be guided by established procedures and the need to uphold the integrity of the Service.
The NCS, under the leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and its management, reaffirmed its commitment to a credible, transparent and accountable recruitment process, adding that while it remains open to genuine complaints, it will not compromise the standards required of personnel entrusted with national security, border protection, revenue collection and public safety responsibilities.
