By Odita Sunday
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that 286,697 candidates have been shortlisted for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) in its ongoing recruitment exercise, which attracted over half a million applications.
In a statement signed by the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS disclosed that the recruitment drive — advertised in December 2024 — had received 573,523 applications for the 3,927 declared vacancies across the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres.
The CBT stage will hold online from September 14th to 21st, 2025, reflecting what the Service described as its “commitment to transparency, accessibility, and fairness in the selection process.”
“Candidates shortlisted for the CBT are required to undertake the test at any location of their choice, provided there is reliable internet access. However, the exercise must be conducted using a laptop or desktop computer equipped with a webcam and full-screen display, as the application is not mobile phone-enabled,” Maiwada explained.
He noted that candidates will undergo facial verification during login, advising them to maintain a neat appearance to avoid recognition difficulties.
The NCS further cautioned applicants about the system’s sensitivity to distractions.
“The CBT application is sensitive to noise and body movement. Excessive movement, whispering, or background distractions may result in automatic logout by the system,” the statement warned.
Candidates are also expected to avoid switching between windows during the test, as such actions will be flagged as malpractice and could lead to disqualification.
To aid preparation, the Service has scheduled a mandatory pre-test exercise two days before the actual examination. According to the statement, candidates will receive two separate links — one for the pre-test and another for the CBT proper. Applicants for the Superintendent Cadre (Level 8) are to note that they will be invited for an additional CBT in the next phase of the recruitment exercise, unlike those in the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.
Reassuring applicants of fairness, the Customs Service emphasised that the process remains merit-driven.
“The ongoing recruitment process remains strictly transparent. The NCS will not request any form of payment nor conduct recruitment activities on social media platforms. Successful candidates will be duly informed of subsequent phases through our official communication channels,” Maiwada stressed.
The Service urged applicants to rely only on verified platforms for updates and adhere strictly to the issued guidelines.