The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed a purported final recruitment list circulating online, describing it as fake.
In a statement on Wednesday, the NCS clarified that all official updates on the recruitment process are communicated directly to shortlisted candidates through the NCS Recruitment Update Portal, not via unofficial channels.
“The publication did not originate from the Nigeria Customs Service or any of its authorised communication channels. Members of the public, particularly applicants, are advised to disregard the information in its entirety,” the statement read.
The Service explained that the recruitment process began with an official advertisement on December 27, 2024, attracting 573,523 applications across the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres. After a documentary screening, 286,697 candidates were shortlisted for the first phase of the Computer-Based Test (CBT).
While all cadres took part in the initial CBT, only successful applicants in the Superintendent Cadre were invited for the second phase, scheduled to hold across designated centres within the six geopolitical zones.
According to the NCS, the ongoing process reflects its commitment to transparency, merit, inclusiveness, and adherence to the Federal Character principle.
Meanwhile, the Majority Leader of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Lawan Hussaini Dala, has raised concerns over alleged regional bias in the recruitment exercise.
During plenary on Wednesday, Dala claimed the process favoured southern states, particularly those in the South-West, at the expense of the North.
He alleged that of the 1,785 recruits, the South-West received 812 slots, with Lagos alone getting 207, Ogun 145, and Ekiti 93 — more than some entire northern states. In contrast, the North-West reportedly got only 7% of the total, with Kano receiving 31 slots and Zamfara 16.
Describing the figures as “unacceptable and unjustifiable,” Dala urged the National Assembly to address what he termed a violation of the Federal Character principle.
In response, the Speaker directed the relevant House Committee to investigate the claims and report back for further legislative action.
