Nigeria Customs Mulls Reviews of Complaints Arising from Recruitment 

…Opens Door for Engagement with Aggrieved Applicants

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday expressed its understanding with complaints by candidates who participated with the Service’s recently concluded recruitment exercise, disclosing the Service has put in place mechanism to review and resolve all issue-based complaints.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, speaking through the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller, Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, mnipr, mniia, said he has called for a case-by-case reappraisal to ensure legitimate complaints are heard.

A statement by the Service’s Spokesman reads:  “The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) acknowledges complaints from some applicants who participated in the recent recruitment exercise. These candidates   were among those screened out and subsequently not allowed to proceed to the training college despite appearing on the recruitment shortlist. The Service recognises the concerns raised by affected applicants and assures the public that the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, after meeting with some of the aggrieved applicants, has called for a case-by-case reappraisal to ensure legitimate complaints are heard.

“However, the Service wishes to clarify that inclusion in the final shortlist does not automatically guarantee enlistment into the Service. 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.  During the screening exercise, issues relating to substance abuse (cigarettes and alcohol exclusive), physical fitness, medical records, age and submitted documentation were identified among 397 applicants. 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.

“To provide an avenue for addressing genuine concerns, the Service thereby urges 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.

“Aggrieved candidates who wish to take advantage of the new window will be subjected to fresh screening. 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 Service urges applicants and the general public to remain calm and utilize 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, under the leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR and its management members, reaffirms its commitment to a credible, transparent and accountable recruitment process.”

The statement adds “While the Service remains open to genuine complaints from affected applicants, it will not compromise the standards required of personnel entrusted with national security, border protection, revenue collection and public safety responsibilities.”