The Nigeria Customs Service has announced plans to review complaints from 397 applicants who were disqualified during its recent recruitment screening despite appearing on the shortlist for training.
The Service said the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, ordered the review after meeting with some of the aggrieved applicants who were barred from proceeding to the training college.
The decision was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada.
Maiwada said the review was aimed at ensuring that legitimate complaints were examined while maintaining the integrity of the recruitment process. He said the Service acknowledged concerns raised by affected candidates.
The NCS clarified that appearing on the final shortlist did not automatically guarantee enlistment. It explained that recruitment involves several stages of verification, including credential checks, physical fitness and endurance assessments, medical examinations, age verification and drug screening.
According to the Service, screening irregularities involving 397 applicants were identified in areas including substance use, physical fitness, medical records, age and submitted documentation. The Service clarified that the substance-related concerns excluded cigarettes and alcohol.
It added that some candidates were also disqualified over irregularities identified in their selection process.
The Service urged affected applicants who believe they were unfairly disqualified to submit their details and complaints to helpdesk at http://customs.gov.ng for review.
It said applicants seeking reconsideration would be subjected to fresh screening. It stressed that the review would not constitute a waiver of standards.
In the statement, the Service said, “The review of complaints will not constitute a waiver of established standards or an automatic guarantee of admission into training.”
The NCS further warned that applicants found to have engaged in criminal conduct, including certificate fraud and other offences, would be referred for appropriate legal action and prosecution.
It urged affected candidates and the general public to remain calm and use the designated channel to submit their complaints.
