The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday said it received a total of 573,523 applications for 3,927 vacancies in the first phase of the 2024 recruitment exercise.
NCS National Spokesperson, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, said the vacancies were spread across the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres as part of efforts to strengthen manpower and improve operational efficiency.
After a document verification process, the Service said it “shortlisted 286,697 candidates” for the second phase of the recruitment exercise.
This stage will run from September 14 to 21, 2025, through a nationwide Computer-Based Test (CBT).
Maiwada explained that the use of CBT underscores the Service’s determination to conduct the exercise transparently and fairly.
Candidates can take the test at any location with stable internet access but must use a laptop or desktop computer fitted with a webcam and full-screen display.
He said, “The exercise must, however, be conducted using a laptop or desktop computer equipped with a webcam and a full-screen display, as the application is not mobile phone-enabled.
“A facial verification process will be carried out during login; therefore, candidates are advised to maintain a neat appearance to avoid difficulties with recognition.”
The Customs spokesperson further warned candidates about system sensitivity during the test.
He said, “CBT application is sensitive to noise and body movement. Accordingly, candidates must remain fully focused throughout the test’s duration, as excessive movement, whispering, or background distractions may result in automatic logout by the system.
“In the same vein, candidates are advised to avoid switching between windows during the test, as such actions will be flagged as malpractice and may lead to disqualification.”
Applicants for the Superintendent Cadre (Level 8) will undergo an additional CBT in a subsequent phase, while the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres will not take part in this extra round.
To prepare candidates, the Service has scheduled a mandatory pre-test exercise two days before the main CBT.
Maiwada said shortlisted applicants will receive two separate links — one for the pre-test and another for the examination — to help them familiarise themselves with the platform.
He assured stakeholders that the process remains strictly merit-driven and urged candidates to rely only on verified NCS communication channels.
Maiwada warned, “Applicants are strongly advised to adhere strictly to the issued guidelines and to rely solely on verified official platforms of the Service for authentic updates, as the NCS will neither request any form of payment nor conduct recruitment activities on social media platforms.”
