The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has provided an update on the progress of its ongoing recruitment exercise, which officially commenced with an advertisement published in national newspapers on Friday, December 27, 2024.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the recruitment exercise is aimed at strengthening the Service’s manpower capacity and enhancing service delivery across the country.
A total of 3,927 vacancies were declared for the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres. During the first phase, the Service received an overwhelming 573,523 applications. After thorough document screening, 286,697 candidates were shortlisted to proceed to the next stage.
CBT Stage Begins September 14
The second stage of the recruitment exercise will be an online Computer-Based Test (CBT) scheduled to take place between September 14 and 21, 2025. The NCS emphasized that the use of the online CBT reflects its commitment to transparency, accessibility, and fairness in the selection process.
Candidates are required to take the test from any location with stable internet access, using a laptop or desktop computer equipped with a webcam and full-screen display. The application will not work on mobile phones.
A facial verification process will be conducted during login, and applicants are advised to maintain a neat appearance to avoid recognition issues.
Strict Rules for Candidates
The NCS warned that the CBT system is highly sensitive to noise and movement. Excessive movement, whispering, or background distractions could lead to an automatic logout, while switching between windows during the test will be flagged as malpractice, potentially resulting in disqualification.
To ensure candidates are adequately prepared, the Service will conduct a mandatory pre-test exercise two days before the actual CBT. Two separate links will be sent to all shortlisted candidates — one for the pre-test and another for the main examination.
Candidates applying for the Superintendent Cadre (Level 8) should note that they will be invited for an additional CBT in the next phase of the recruitment exercise. This requirement does not apply to those in the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.
NCS Reassures Transparency and Merit
The NCS reiterated that the entire recruitment process is strictly merit-driven and transparent. Successful candidates will be informed of subsequent stages through the Service’s official communication channels.
Applicants were strongly warned to avoid unofficial sources, as the NCS does not conduct recruitment activities on social media nor request any form of payment.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to a fair and transparent process that will ensure the selection of the most qualified candidates to serve our nation,” Maiwada said.
For further updates, candidates are advised to monitor the official platforms of the NCS to avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
