ABUJA — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has clarified that candidates whose names appeared on its recently published recruitment list are not automatically guaranteed employment, explaining that rigorous background screening and medical verification processes remain ongoing prior to issuing official training invitations.
Addressing public complaints and inquiries from shortlisted applicants awaiting directives on Thursday, October 8, 2026, National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, emphasized that appearing on a published shortlist merely qualifies a candidate for physical examination rather than automatic enlistment.
Maiwada stated that the screening exercise serves as a critical filter designed to disqualify applicants who fail mandatory criteria, including age thresholds, academic credential verifications, physical fitness assessments, and stringent substance abuse screenings.
He revealed that preliminary medical evaluations uncovered worrying cases of drug use and document inconsistencies among some applicants, reiterating that the agency maintains a zero-tolerance policy against drug consumption and credential forgery.
The spokesman urged applicants to remain patient while verification checks are concluded, reassuring law-abiding candidates that official training invitations and appointment letters will be issued solely to individuals who satisfy all character, physical, and medical standards required by the Service.
