The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has opened a fresh window for aggrieved applicants in its recent recruitment exercise to submit complaints for review, following the rejection of some applicants who had made the final shortlist.
The Service said the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, after meeting with some of the aggrieved applicants, has called for a case-by-case reappraisal to ensure legitimate complaints are heard.
In a statement issued on Monday, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdulahi Maiwada, said inclusion in the final shortlist does not automatically guarantee enlistment into the Service.
According to the statement, recruitment into the NCS involves multiple stages of verification, including credential and document checks, physical and endurance assessments, medical examinations and age verification, drug screening and other mandatory requirements.
The Service disclosed that 397 applicants were identified with ssues relating to substance abuse (cigarettes and alcohol exclusive), physical fitness, medical records, age and submitted documentation during the screening exercise.
“Some candidates were also rejected due to identified irregularities in their selection process during the screening exercise. These findings underscore the Service’s commitment to upholding established recruitment standards and ensuring that only candidates who satisfy all prescribed requirements are considered for enlistment into the Service,” the statement said.
To provide an avenue for addressing genuine concerns, the Service urged all candidates who feel aggrieved by the outcome of the screening exercise to formally forward their details and complaints to helpdesk@customs.gov.ng.
Affected applicants are advised to provide accurate information to facilitate the examination of their cases. The initiative is intended to ensure that legitimate concerns receive appropriate attention while preserving the integrity, fairness and credibility of the recruitment process.
It noted that aggrieved candidates who take advantage of the new window will be subjected to fresh screening, warning that where investigations establish criminal conduct, including certificate fraud or other offenses, the individuals involved will 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 NCS stated.
The Service urged applicants and the general public to remain calm and utilise the designated channel for the submission of complaints, while assuring all concerned that the review will be guided by established procedures and the need to uphold the integrity of the Service.
The NCS eaffirmed its commitment to a credible, transparent and accountable recruitment process, maintaining that it will not compromise the standards required of personnel entrusted with national security, border protection, revenue collection and public safety responsibilities.
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