NCS Concludes 2025 Recruitment Screening, Records Improved Process

By Stella Okocha 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has concluded the final phase of its 2025 recruitment exercise, with shortlisted candidates completing documentation, physical fitness assessments and medical screening at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The two-week screening exercise, which began on Monday, September 7, 2026, ended on Saturday, September 19, and involved candidates shortlisted for the Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASCII), Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.

The exercise was conducted in batches as part of measures to ensure an orderly process and reduce congestion at the screening centre.

Speaking on the outcome of the exercise, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resource Development, Frank Onyeka, said the Service had introduced measures to address challenges identified during an earlier phase of the recruitment process.

“We have put measures in place to reduce congestion and ensure a smoother process this week. The gaps identified last week have been addressed, and we do not expect them to recur this week,” Onyeka said.

He also stressed the need for candidates to maintain discipline and demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility throughout the recruitment process.

A Deputy Comptroller of Customs and member of the coordinating team, Adamu Musa, said the screening had recorded significant improvements, with nearly 3,000 candidates screened without any reported casualty.

According to Musa, one of the major improvements was the introduction of personalised screening forms containing candidates’ records for the various stages of the exercise.

“Any candidate that has been shortlisted has a form designed especially for him, unlike in the past where you come, they issue you a form, and then some people along the way go and even change some of the records,” Musa explained.

He said the forms contained candidates’ names and other details required for sports, medical examinations, documentation and verification of mandatory items.

“This means that once the candidate comes, you just verify what you already have from the system,” he added.

Musa also highlighted the importance of continuous manpower development within the Service, noting that the increasing responsibilities of the NCS in national security, border protection and other areas require a well-trained and capable workforce.

He explained that candidates were assessed against criteria established by the Service, including age, physical fitness and drug screening.

According to him, candidates who test positive for hard drugs, exceed the prescribed age limit or have physical conditions that could affect their ability to perform their duties may be disqualified, subject to the final decision of the Service’s management.

Musa further advised candidates and members of the public to rely only on official NCS channels for recruitment information.

He urged prospective applicants to verify recruitment-related announcements through the Service’s official website and verified social media platforms to avoid falling victim to fraudulent messages and recruitment scams.

The conclusion of the screening marks the latest stage in the NCS recruitment process as the Service continues efforts to strengthen its workforce and improve the efficiency of its recruitment procedures.