The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has entered the final stage of its recruitment process, as shortlisted applicants undergo documentation, physical fitness checks and medical examinations.
The NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this on Thursday, noting that the screening is taking place at the service’s Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
According to Maiwada, the two-week screening exercise began on Monday and is scheduled to end on September 19, covering shortlisted candidates for the Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASCII), Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.
He explained that the applicants are being screened in batches based on the alphabetical arrangement of their states of origin, a measure aimed at preventing overcrowding and ensuring a smooth process.
Speaking to the candidates, Frank Onyeka, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resource Development, said the exercise goes beyond physical fitness, with the service also assessing candidates’ character and professional behaviour.
Onyeka congratulated the candidates on progressing to the screening stage and advised them to comply fully with the requirements of the exercise.
“On behalf of the NCS Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, I congratulate you on reaching this stage.
“I urge you to remain orderly and strictly adhere to the guidelines.
“Beyond physical requirements, your attitude, discipline and conduct are critical factors in deciding who ultimately joins the service,” he said.
He added that the NCS was collaborating with the Customs Police and other relevant units within the service to protect the credibility and integrity of the recruitment process.
Also speaking, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Dow Gaura, who is the Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, said administrative improvements and cooperation among relevant agencies had helped to make the exercise more efficient.
Gaura stated that the various activities under the recruitment exercise were in line with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General, which focuses on sustained operational improvement, collaboration and innovation.
“The process has been seamless, hitch-free and conducted without any casualties,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that screening for candidates under the Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASCII) cadre concluded on Thursday, while the screening of applicants for the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres will continue until September 19.
The NCS had earlier announced an annual recruitment programme and published the final list of 3,852 successful candidates for its 2024/2025 recruitment exercise on August 4.
A total of 573,680 applications were received for the 3,852 available positions, with 1,275 candidates shortlisted for the Superintendent Cadre, 367 for the Inspectorate Cadre and 2,210 for the Customs Assistant Cadre.
