Nigeria Customs Service announced that 286,697 candidates have advanced to the next stage of its recruitment exercise

Nigeria Customs Service Advances Over 286,000 Candidates in Landmark Recruitment Drive

In a sweeping move that underscores Nigeria’s push toward transparency and modernization in public sector hiring, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that 286,697 candidates have successfully advanced to the next stage of its ongoing recruitment exercise.

This development marks a significant milestone in one of the country’s largest and most competitive federal recruitment processes in recent years.

The announcement was made by the NCS Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, who confirmed that the shortlisted candidates will proceed to the second phase of the exercise, which involves a Computer-Based Test (CBT). Scheduled to take place between September 16 and 17, 2025, the CBT will be conducted online, allowing candidates to participate from any location across the country. This digital approach reflects the Customs Service’s commitment to leveraging technology to ensure fairness, accessibility, and efficiency in its recruitment operations.

The recruitment exercise, which began earlier this year, attracted hundreds of thousands of applicants vying for various positions within the paramilitary agency.

The NCS, responsible for border security, anti-smuggling operations, and revenue collection, has long been viewed as a critical institution in Nigeria’s economic and security architecture.

With the country facing increasing challenges in cross-border crime and trade facilitation, the need for a robust and well-trained Customs workforce has never been more urgent.

Maiwada emphasized that the selection process has been rigorous and merit-based, with candidates evaluated on qualifications, compliance with application guidelines, and other eligibility criteria.

He also noted that the CBT will serve as a decisive filter to identify the most capable individuals for the final stages of recruitment, which may include physical screening, medical evaluations, and interviews.

The scale of the exercise has drawn attention from civil society groups and employment analysts, many of whom have praised the NCS for its transparent handling of the process.

By adopting digital tools and publishing clear timelines, the agency has set a benchmark for other government institutions seeking to reform their recruitment practices.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with high unemployment rates and a growing youth population, the Customs Service’s recruitment drive offers a glimmer of hope for thousands of job seekers.

It also signals a broader shift toward institutional accountability and modernization, an encouraging sign for a nation striving to build a more responsive and effective public service.