The Nigeria Customs recruitment 2024/2025 exercise has officially reached a major milestone as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) unveiled the final list of successful candidates Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi disclosed that only 3,852 applicants secured employment out of an overwhelming 573,680 applications, making the recruitment one of the most competitive in recent years
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Adeniyi explained that the lengthy recruitment process was driven by the Service’s commitment to transparency, merit, and thorough verification He also acknowledged the frustration experienced by applicants and their families over the delay, offering an apology on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service
The Customs boss further disclosed that successful candidates will undergo additional screening, including physical and medical examinations, before receiving final approval by the Customs Board
Nigeria Customs Explains Why the Recruitment Process Took Months
Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi said the 2024/2025 recruitment exercise was unusually demanding due to the massive number of applications received
According to him, the Nigeria Customs Service processed 573,680 applications for just 3,852 available positions, requiring extensive verification and multiple screening stages
He explained that the Service also experienced a significant number of retirements and staff turnover within its senior management, placing additional pressure on the officers coordinating the nationwide recruitment
Adeniyi admitted the process lasted longer than expected but maintained that ensuring fairness and credibility was more important than speed
Breakdown of Successful Nigeria Customs Recruitment Candidates
The Comptroller General revealed the distribution of successful candidates across the three entry cadres
Superintendent Cadre
- Applications Received: 276,995
- Successful Candidates: 1,275
- Success Rate: Approximately 1 in every 217 applicants
The Inspectorate Cadre recorded the toughest competition during the exercise
Inspectorate Cadre
- Applications Received: 128,604
- Successful Candidates: 367
- Success Rate: About 1 in every 350 applicants
Customs Assistant Cadre
- Applications Received: 168,081
- Successful Candidates: 2,210
- Success Rate: Around 1 in every 76 applicants
Overall, the recruitment exercise recorded a 0.67% success rate, meaning only one applicant was selected for every 148 candidates.
Multiple Screening Stages Ensured Merit Based Selection
Adeniyi explained that every successful applicant passed through several independent stages before making the final shortlist
The recruitment process included:
- Initial application screening
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Verification of credentials
- Cross checking with the National Identity Database
- Additional reviews where discrepancies were discovered
He stressed that no applicant was cleared without proper verification, adding that records with inconsistencies were re examined before final decisions were made
According to him, these rigorous procedures were necessary to preserve the integrity of the recruitment exercise
Successful Candidates Still Face Medical and Physical Screening
Although the final list has been released, successful applicants have not yet completed the recruitment process
The Nigeria Customs Service announced that shortlisted candidates will proceed to:
- Physical fitness assessment
- Medical examination
- Final Board review and approval
Only candidates who successfully complete these final stages will be formally enlisted into the Nigeria Customs Service
Adeniyi Defends Transparency of the Recruitment Exercise
Responding to concerns over possible external influence, the Comptroller General insisted the recruitment remained merit-based despite widespread public interest
He stated that recruitment into a national institution naturally attracts recommendations and attention from different quarters, but maintained that the final list reflected only candidates who met the Service’s established standards
According to him, the published list is one the Nigeria Customs Service can confidently defend based on merit and due process
Message to Over 560,000 Unsuccessful Applicants
Adeniyi acknowledged the disappointment of the hundreds of thousands of Nigerians who were not selected
He noted that the competition was exceptionally intense because of the limited vacancies available, urging unsuccessful applicants not to lose hope and encouraging them to take advantage of future recruitment opportunities within the Service
The Customs boss also reiterated the agency’s commitment to conducting transparent and merit-driven recruitment exercises going forward
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