The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has concluded the final phase of its 2025 recruitment exercise, with close to 3,000 shortlisted candidates screened without any casualty as the Service introduced measures aimed at improving the process.

The two-week exercise, held at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Gwagwalada, Abuja, ended on Saturday, September 19, 2026, after candidates underwent documentation, physical fitness assessments and medical screenings.

The exercise, which began on September 7, covered candidates shortlisted for the Assistant Superintendent of Customs II, Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.

The screening was conducted in batches to reduce congestion and ensure an orderly process.

Speaking on the outcome, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resource Development, Frank Onyeka, said measures had been implemented to address gaps identified during the earlier phase of the recruitment exercise.

“We have put measures in place to reduce congestion and ensure a smoother process this week. The gaps identified last week have been addressed, and we do not expect them to recur this week,” Onyeka said.

He also stressed the need for discipline and responsibility among candidates throughout the recruitment process.

A Deputy Comptroller of Customs and member of the coordinating team, Adamu Musa, said the exercise had recorded significant improvements, attributing the progress to the introduction of personalised screening forms containing candidates’ records across the different stages of assessment.

According to Musa, each shortlisted candidate was assigned a form containing their details for sports, medical examinations, documentation and other required checks, allowing officials to verify information already captured in the system.

He said the system was introduced to reduce the possibility of changes to candidates’ records during the screening process.

Musa also stressed the importance of continuous manpower development, saying the growing responsibilities of the Customs Service in national security, border protection and other areas required a workforce with the capacity to meet evolving demands.

He disclosed that candidates were being assessed against criteria including age, physical fitness and drug screening.

Musa said candidates who tested positive for hard drugs, exceeded the stipulated age limit or had physical conditions that could affect their duties could be disqualified, subject to the final decision of the Service’s management.

He also urged candidates and members of the public to verify recruitment information through the NCS official website and verified social media platforms to guard against fraudulent messages.