From 573,680 Applications to 3,852 Appointments: Inside Nigeria Customs recruitment breakdown

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has offered jobs to 3,852 successful candidates out of 573,680 people who applied for its nationwide recruitment exercise.

The update was shared by the NCS on its official Facebook page after the completion of the recruitment process, which began on December 27, 2024.

According to the Service, the recruitment covered three entry levels: Superintendent, Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.

A breakdown of the recruitment shows that the Superintendent Cadre received 276,995 applications, but only 1,275 candidates were employed. This means about one person was selected for every 217 applicants.

The Inspectorate Cadre had 128,604 applicants, with only 367 successful candidates. It was the most competitive category, with about one successful applicant out of every 350 people.

The Customs Assistant Cadre received 168,081 applications, while 2,210 candidates were offered employment. This category recorded the highest number of successful candidates, with about one person selected for every 76 applicants.

The figures show that although the Customs Assistant Cadre employed the highest number of candidates, the Inspectorate Cadre had the toughest competition.

The latest update comes about a week after the NCS released the final list of successful candidates for the position of Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II).

Successful applicants were asked to confirm their status through the official recruitment portal. They were also directed to upload a valid medical fitness certificate from a government-approved hospital, update their state of residence and accept their provisional employment offers before the deadline.

Candidates who complete the process will receive a Trainee Identification Number (TIN), while details of documentation and physical screening will be announced later.

The Federal Government had approved the recruitment of 3,927 personnel into the Nigeria Customs Service across the three cadres.

The recruitment process was carried out using an information technology system that automatically checked applicants’ eligibility, including their age and educational qualifications.

Shortlisted candidates sat for a nationwide Computer-Based Test (CBT) between September 14 and 21, 2025. In April 2026, the Customs Service reopened its recruitment portal to allow shortlisted candidates complete their final screening before it closed on May 10, 2026.

Although the Federal Government approved 3,927 vacancies, the Nigeria Customs Service announced employment offers for only 3,852 candidates.

The Service did not explain why 75 approved positions were not filled.