The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced progress in its ongoing recruitment exercise, confirming that 286,697 applicants have been shortlisted for the next phase of the process, which will be conducted through a nationwide Computer-Based Test (CBT).
The recruitment exercise, which began with a public advertisement on December 27, 2024, initially attracted 573,523 applications across the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres. Following a rigorous documentation screening, the service confirmed that 3,927 vacancies had been declared, out of which the shortlisted applicants will now compete for placement.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, by the National Public Relations Officer of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, the second phase of the recruitment will hold between September 14 and 21, 2025. The test, he explained, is designed to reflect the Service’s commitment to transparency, accessibility, and fairness.
Unlike traditional physical examinations, the CBT will be conducted online, giving candidates the flexibility to participate from any location with reliable internet access. However, the Service emphasized that the test must be taken strictly with a laptop or desktop computer equipped with a webcam and full-screen display, as the application is not mobile-phone enabled.
A facial recognition feature has been built into the platform, requiring candidates to log in with a clear appearance. “Applicants are strongly advised to maintain a neat look to avoid login difficulties during the verification process,” the statement noted.
The Customs Service also highlighted the sensitivity of the CBT application, warning candidates to remain still and focused throughout the test duration. Excessive movement, background noise, or whispering may lead to an automatic logout. Similarly, switching between windows during the test will be flagged as malpractice and could result in disqualification.
To ensure candidates are adequately prepared, the Service said it has arranged a mandatory pre-test session to be held two days before the main examination. During this session, applicants will familiarise themselves with the test application. Two separate links will be sent to shortlisted candidates—one for the pre-test and another for the actual CBT.
In addition, the Service disclosed that candidates applying for the Superintendent cadre (Level 8) will undergo an additional CBT in a subsequent phase of the recruitment process. This requirement, however, will not apply to those in the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.
While assuring the public of transparency, Maiwada reiterated that the exercise remains strictly merit-driven. He warned applicants against falling prey to fraudsters posing as recruitment agents, stressing that the NCS neither demands payment for recruitment nor conducts the exercise through social media platforms.
“All updates and further communication will be made available only through the Service’s verified official channels,” he stated.
The recruitment exercise, according to the Service, is aimed at strengthening manpower capacity and enhancing service delivery in line with its statutory mandate. Successful candidates from the CBT stage will be duly informed of the next phase of the process.
