Nigeria Customs Advances Recruitment Exercise, Sets CBT for 14th–21st September
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has provided an update on the progress of its ongoing nationwide recruitment exercise, assuring members of the public that the process remains merit-driven, transparent, and accessible to all qualified applicants.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, 10th September 2025, by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, the exercise commenced with an official advertisement in national newspapers on 27th December 2024, declaring a total of 3,927 vacancies across the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres.
The Service disclosed that it received an overwhelming 573,523 applications in the first phase of the exercise. Following a rigorous documentary scrutiny, 286,697 applicants were shortlisted to proceed to the next phase.
The second stage, which will take place between 14th and 21st September 2025, will be conducted through an online Computer-Based Test (CBT). The adoption of this digital platform, the Service noted, reflects its determination to ensure fairness, transparency, and convenience in the recruitment process.
Guidelines for Candidates
Shortlisted candidates are required to undertake the CBT at any location of their choice, provided they have reliable internet access. However, the exercise must be carried out on a laptop or desktop computer with a webcam and full-screen display, as the platform is not mobile phone-enabled.
The Service further emphasised that a facial verification process will be conducted at login, urging candidates to maintain a neat appearance to avoid difficulties with recognition.
In addition, candidates were warned to remain fully focused throughout the duration of the test. The CBT platform is highly sensitive to noise and body movement; excessive distractions, whispering, or switching between windows could result in automatic logout or disqualification for malpractice.
To familiarise candidates with the application, the NCS has scheduled a mandatory pre-test session two days before the actual CBT. Two separate links will be sent to shortlisted applicants – one for the pre-test and another for the examination.
It was also clarified that applicants for the Superintendent Cadre (Level 8) will be required to sit for an additional CBT in the subsequent phase of the recruitment exercise, while this provision does not apply to the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.
The NCS reiterated that the ongoing recruitment exercise is strictly based on merit and devoid of manipulation. Successful candidates will be notified of subsequent phases through official communication channels.
The Service also cautioned applicants against relying on unverified sources or social media platforms for information, stressing that it neither demands payments nor conducts recruitment through unofficial channels.
“The Nigeria Customs Service assures all stakeholders that the ongoing recruitment process remains strictly merit-driven and transparent,” the statement read.
