Nigeria Customs Urges Recruitment Candidates to Confirm Emails for 2025 Exercise

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has directed all candidates shortlisted for its 2025 recruitment exercise to carefully verify their email addresses and ensure timely compliance with the guidelines provided for the next phase of the process. The Service explained that the measure is intended to streamline communication, prevent fraudulent activities, and guarantee transparency in one of the most competitive public sector recruitment drives in the country.

In a statement released by the NCS Headquarters in Abuja, the Service advised applicants who sat for the initial stages of the recruitment to immediately check their registered email accounts for official notifications. According to the management, all correspondence regarding further screening, documentation, and training will be communicated through email channels. Candidates who fail to check or validate their email information risk being excluded from subsequent stages of the recruitment.

The 2025 recruitment exercise has attracted significant public attention due to the strategic role of the NCS in revenue generation, border security, and trade facilitation. With unemployment rates still high in Nigeria, the Customs recruitment offers not only job opportunities for thousands of applicants but also a pathway to national service in one of the country’s most critical institutions.

Customs authorities emphasized that the decision to rely heavily on email verification is part of efforts to modernize its recruitment system and close gaps previously exploited by fraudulent agents. In past exercises, unsuspecting applicants fell victim to scams promising them guaranteed employment in exchange for money. This year, however, the NCS has reiterated that recruitment is entirely free, with no room for intermediaries. Candidates are therefore urged to disregard any unofficial messages, SMS, or calls requesting payments.

Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to fairness and meritocracy in the recruitment process. He assured Nigerians that every shortlisted candidate has been selected strictly on merit, based on performance in the earlier screening exercises. He noted that the Service is determined to recruit only qualified individuals who can contribute meaningfully to its mandate of securing borders, curbing smuggling, and boosting government revenue.

The verification process, according to officials, will run over the next several weeks. During this period, candidates will be expected to confirm their identities through official email communications, prepare for physical screenings, and submit additional documentation where necessary. The NCS has also warned candidates to ensure that the details they provided during the application remain accurate and consistent, particularly with regards to date of birth, academic qualifications, and local government identification.

Observers see the current approach as part of broader reforms under Adeniyi’s leadership, which has focused on digitalisation and improved transparency in Customs operations. In recent months, the Service has introduced electronic clearance systems, enhanced cargo tracking, and strengthened its ICT infrastructure. Experts argue that embedding digital tools into the recruitment process is a natural extension of these reforms, ensuring that both Customs staff and applicants adapt to the digital future of the Service.

For many young Nigerians, the opportunity to join the NCS represents more than just employment. The Service plays a vital role in protecting Nigeria’s economy, preventing illegal imports, enforcing trade policies, and facilitating regional commerce under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Successful candidates will thus be stepping into roles that carry significant responsibility for national security and economic development.

Candidates who make it through the email verification and subsequent screening will proceed to training at designated Customs training facilities. There, they will undergo rigorous preparation covering Customs procedures, border patrol operations, anti-smuggling strategies, revenue collection, and ethical conduct. The training is designed to ensure that new recruits uphold the values of discipline, professionalism, and patriotism.

Analysts have described the 2025 recruitment as coming at a critical time. Nigeria is under pressure to diversify revenue sources in the face of volatile oil earnings, and Customs collections form a significant portion of government income. In addition, increasing insecurity across borders and the rise in smuggling of prohibited goods have heightened the need for fresh personnel who are tech-savvy, disciplined, and ready to confront new challenges.

Despite the optimism, some stakeholders have cautioned the NCS to ensure strict monitoring of the recruitment process. Concerns remain about the possibility of political interference, favouritism, or corruption. Transparency advocates have urged Customs to publish regular updates on the progress of the recruitment to reassure Nigerians that the process is merit-driven.

For now, all eyes are on the verification stage, which will determine how quickly the Service can move to the next phases of recruitment. Candidates are expected to follow instructions closely and avoid mistakes that could jeopardise their chances. The NCS has also reminded applicants to remain patient, stressing that the volume of candidates is large and that communications will be released in batches.

As the 2025 recruitment progresses, Nigerians are hopeful that the process will deliver competent and patriotic officers capable of driving Customs’ agenda of revenue growth, trade facilitation, and effective border management. For thousands of applicants, the simple task of verifying an email may be the gateway to a rewarding career in national service.