The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that shortlisted candidates in its ongoing recruitment exercise will participate in a nationwide Computer-Based Test (CBT) scheduled to hold between September 14 and 21, 2025
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In a statement signed by the Assistant Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, mnipr, mniia, the Service emphasized that the recruitment process remains transparent, merit-driven, and corruption-free.
According to the NCS, candidates are expected to write the CBT at any convenient location with stable internet access. However, the test must be conducted using a laptop or desktop computer with a webcam and full-screen display, as the application is not mobile-enabled. A facial verification system will be used at login, and applicants were advised to maintain a neat appearance to avoid recognition issues.
Application Statistics and Requirements:
The recruitment exercise began with 573,523 applications, out of which 286,697 candidates were shortlisted after document verification for the CBT stage.
The Service further cautioned that the CBT software is highly sensitive to noise, unnecessary movement, or switching between windows, all of which may result in automatic logout or disqualification for malpractice.
To ensure adequate preparation, the NCS has also introduced a mandatory pre-test session, which will take place two days before the main CBT. Shortlisted applicants will receive two separate links—one for the pre-test and another for the actual examination.
Additionally, candidates applying for the Superintendent Cadre (Level 8) will be required to undergo an extra CBT in the next recruitment phase. This does not apply to applicants in the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.
Merit-Driven and Transparent Process:
The Service reiterated that the exercise is strictly merit-based and urged applicants to rely only on official communication channels for updates. It warned that it will not demand payments or conduct recruitment activities via social media.
Background
The current recruitment drive is part of the NCS’s broader efforts to modernize its workforce, rebuild public trust, and adopt technology-driven solutions for transparent hiring.
The process officially commenced on December 27, 2024, following government approval to fill 3,927 vacancies across the Superintendent, Inspector, and Customs Assistant cadres. Recruitment was conducted exclusively through the official portal, a move designed to block fraudulent activities.
Through this exercise, the Nigeria Customs Service is reaffirming its commitment to fairness, accountability, and efficiency in building a stronger and more professional workforce.