Customs Recruits 3,852 From 573,680 Applicants

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has released the final list of successful candidates for its 2024/2025 recruitment exercise, with only 3,852 applicants selected from a total of 573,680 applications received nationwide.

Announcing the results during a press briefing on Tuesday, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi said the successful candidates were recruited across the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres**, with every state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) represented.

Breaking down the figures, Adeniyi disclosed that 1,275 candidates were selected into the Superintendent Cadre, 367 into the Inspectorate Cadre, and 2,210 into the Customs Assistant Cadre.

He apologised for the delay in concluding the recruitment process, explaining that the large number of applications, extensive verification procedures, and a high rate of retirements among senior officers contributed to the extended timeline. According to him, every application underwent rigorous screening, including computer-based examinations and verification of credentials against the National Identity Database to ensure that only qualified candidates were selected.

"The process was thorough because we wanted the right candidates to emerge," Adeniyi said, stressing that the recruitment was conducted fairly, transparently, and without any form of payment.

The Customs boss noted that the competition was exceptionally intense, with an overall success rate of **0.67 per cent**, equivalent to **one successful candidate for every 148 applicants**. The Inspectorate Cadre recorded the stiffest competition, with **128,604 applications competing for just 367 positions**, while the Superintendent Cadre attracted **276,995 applications for 1,275 vacancies**. The Customs Assistant Cadre received **168,081 applications for 2,210 positions**.

Addressing unsuccessful applicants, Adeniyi encouraged them not to lose hope, noting that many met the recruitment requirements but could not be accommodated because of the limited number of vacancies.

He also disclosed that the recruitment reflected the Service's commitment to national representation. Each of the 36 states received **105 slots**—35 in the Superintendent Cadre, 10 in the Inspectorate Cadre, and 60 in the Customs Assistant Cadre—while the FCT received **72 positions** in line with the approved allocation formula.

On gender representation, Adeniyi said **839 women**, representing **21.8 per cent** of successful candidates, secured positions in the exercise. He noted that women accounted for **21.2 per cent** of total applications, meaning their success rate slightly exceeded their share of applicants. He added that the Service intends to encourage more qualified women to participate in enforcement roles during future recruitment exercises.

The Comptroller-General further revealed that the successful candidates represent a relatively young workforce, with a **median age of 26 years**, while nearly three-quarters of those recruited are under the age of 30. He said the youthful intake would help position the Service for a future driven by technology, automation, and data-based customs administration.

Looking ahead, Adeniyi announced that the Nigeria Customs Service would adopt an **annual recruitment cycle**, ending the practice of conducting recruitment exercises only after several years. He said the **2026 recruitment exercise** would commence later this year and would be completed within a single calendar year.

He urged successful candidates to monitor only official Nigeria Customs Service communication channels for further instructions, warning applicants to disregard anyone requesting money in exchange for recruitment opportunities.

"Recruitment into the Nigeria Customs Service is free. Anyone demanding payment on behalf of the Service is a fraudster and should be reported immediately," he said.