The Nigeria Customs Service says it has acknowledged complaints from some applicants who took part in its recent recruitment exercise.

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‎The applicants were screened out and not allowed to proceed to the training college despite appearing on the recruitment shortlist.

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‎Spokesman of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, after meeting with some aggrieved applicants, has ordered a case-by-case review to ensure legitimate complaints are heard.

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‎He, however, clarified that inclusion in the final shortlist does not automatically guarantee enlistment.

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‎He said recruitment involves multiple stages of verification, including credential checks, physical and endurance assessments, medical examination, age verification, and drug screening.

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‎Maiwada said issues relating to substance abuse, physical fitness, medical records, age and documentation were identified among 397 applicants.

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‎He said some candidates were also rejected due to irregularities in their selection process.

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‎He said the findings show the Service’s commitment to upholding recruitment standards.

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‎To address genuine concerns, Maiwada said aggrieved candidates should forward their details and complaints to helpdesk@customs.gov.ng.

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‎He said affected applicants should provide accurate information to facilitate review of their cases.

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‎He said aggrieved candidates who use the window will undergo fresh screening.

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‎He warned that where criminal conduct, including certificate fraud, is established, those involved will be referred for prosecution.

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‎He stressed that the review will not amount to waiver of standards or automatic admission into training.

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‎He urged applicants and the public to remain calm and use the designated channel for complaints.

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‎He said the Service under Adeniyi remains committed to a credible, transparent and accountable recruitment process, and will not compromise standards required of personnel entrusted with national security and border protection.