Customs Shortlists 286,697 Applicants, Announces Date For Recruitment Test

The Nigeria Customs Service has released the list of shortlisted candidates for its ongoing recruitment exercise and fixed dates for the next stage of the process.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, who signed the statement on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs.

According to the statement, the recruitment drive began on December 27, 2024, with an advert placed in national dailies declaring 3,927 vacancies in the Superintendent, Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.

Maiwada disclosed that the Service received 573,523 applications, out of which 286,697 applicants scaled through the initial documentation stage.

He explained that the next phase of the exercise will be a Computer-Based Test (CBT), scheduled to hold between September 14 and September 21, 2025.

“The CBT will be conducted online to ensure transparency, fairness and equal access to all applicants,” he stated.

Candidates are expected to use either a laptop or desktop computer with a webcam and full-screen display, as mobile phones will not be accepted. The Service further stressed that a facial verification process will be carried out before login, hence applicants must maintain a neat appearance.

Maiwada warned that the platform is highly sensitive to noise and body movement. Whispering, switching between windows, or background distractions could lead to automatic disqualification.

To help candidates familiarise themselves with the process, the Service has introduced a compulsory pre-test session to be held two days before the main examination. Applicants will receive separate links for both exercises.

The Customs spokesman added that those who applied for the Superintendent Cadre (Level 8) will sit for an additional test at the next stage, while Inspectorate and Assistant Cadres will not.

Reassuring the public, Maiwada emphasised that the recruitment exercise would be merit-based and transparent. He urged applicants to rely solely on official Customs platforms for updates, warning against fraudulent claims or requests for payment.