A crisis is unfolding in the Nigeria Customs Service recruitment exercise as over 500 candidates who claim to have successfully completed the process are being left out of training invitations. These candidates passed the Computer-Based Test, physical examinations, and initial screening, and had their names published in national newspapers as successful candidates. However, they have yet to receive invitations for the training scheduled to commence on October 9, 2026.
The affected candidates have expressed anxiety and disappointment, with many having resigned from their previous jobs, trained replacements, and incurred significant financial expenses after believing their appointments were secured. They traveled to Abuja at personal expense to complete documentation, physical screening, and medical evaluation after their names were published on the final list. The candidates are now uncertain about their status.
According to a document obtained by SaharaReporters, the Nigeria Customs Service shortlisted 35 candidates from each state of the federation and 15 candidates from the Federal Capital Territory. The candidates claim that invitations to training appeared to have stopped since Monday, leaving hundreds of people uncertain about their status. Some individuals have received training invitations despite not being on the published final shortlist.
The affected applicants have formed a WhatsApp group comprising about 500 candidates who believe they have been unfairly excluded from the training invitation process. They plan to report the issue to high-profile individuals, but some candidates are skeptical about the system's integrity. One candidate described the experience as devastating, citing broken heart, depression, and anxiety.
The situation has exposed the difficulties ordinary Nigerians face when dealing with public recruitment processes. One candidate noted that the experience has been painful, with some people receiving invitations without participating in the screening or regional CBT examination. The candidates are seeking intervention and resolution to the issue.
One of the candidates revealed that his former employer saw his name on the final list and required him to train another employee to take over his responsibilities. After completing the training, he was let go. The candidate requested anonymity while appealing for intervention over the recruitment process.
Another candidate, who was shortlisted in the final Nigeria Customs Service list published on July 27, 2026, raised questions over the recruitment process. The Comptroller-General of Customs had announced that the recruitment process had been concluded, and successful candidates had been selected. However, the candidate and others like him have not received training invitations.
Key points
- Over 500 Nigeria Customs Service candidates claim to have completed the recruitment process but have not received training invitations.
- The affected candidates have expressed anxiety and disappointment, with many having resigned from their previous jobs and incurred significant financial expenses.
- The situation has exposed the difficulties ordinary Nigerians face when dealing with public recruitment processes.
