The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has opened a review window for applicants disqualified during its recent recruitment screening exercise, giving affected candidates an opportunity to challenge their rejection and request a reassessment of their cases.
The Service said the review followed a meeting between the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and some aggrieved applicants who had been shortlisted for recruitment but were subsequently disqualified from proceeding to the training college.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the Comptroller-General had approved a case-by-case review to ensure that legitimate complaints were considered without compromising established recruitment requirements.
The Service, however, clarified that appearing on the final shortlist does not guarantee enlistment, as every candidate must satisfy the mandatory screening requirements before admission into the training college.
Why Customs Rejected Some Recruitment Applicants
The NCS disclosed that its screening exercise identified issues involving 397 applicants, with concerns relating to substance use, physical fitness, medical records, age verification and submitted documentation.
It clarified that the substance-use findings did not include cigarettes and alcohol.
Some candidates were also disqualified over irregularities discovered in their selection process, the Service said.
“The Service recognises the concerns raised by affected applicants and assures the public that the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, after meeting with some of the aggrieved applicants, has called for a case-by-case reappraisal to ensure legitimate complaints are heard,” the statement read in part.
According to the NCS, the screening process is designed to ensure that only candidates who meet the prescribed requirements are enlisted into the Service.
The latest review will allow applicants who believe they were unfairly disqualified to present their complaints for further consideration.
How Rejected Applicants Can Appeal
The Nigeria Customs Service has directed affected applicants to submit their complaints and relevant details through its designated email address, helpdesk@customs.gov.ng.
Applicants are expected to provide accurate information to enable the Service to assess their cases individually.
However, the NCS stressed that submitting a complaint does not automatically qualify an applicant for admission into the training college.
Candidates whose complaints are accepted for further consideration will undergo fresh screening to establish whether they meet the recruitment requirements.
The Service also warned that applicants found to have engaged in criminal conduct, including certificate fraud and other offences, would be referred to the appropriate authorities for possible prosecution.
It added that the review process would not amount to a waiver of recruitment standards or guarantee enlistment for any applicant.
