Candidates shortlisted for the Nigeria Customs Service recruitment exercise now have clear directions for the final stage of their application. The agency has officially released the Nigeria Customs physical screening schedule, setting the exercise from September 7 through September 15, 2026.
According to a statement issued by Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada on behalf of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, physical verification and documentation will take place at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada, Abuja. This stage applies to candidates selected for the Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II) and Inspector of Customs (AIC) cadres.
Backstory: Building a Modernized and Tech-Driven Border Force
The ongoing recruitment drive represents a key pillar in the broader transformation strategy led by Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. Since taking office, Adeniyi has prioritized digitizing customs administration, combating smuggling, and upgrading agency personnel to match global trade standards.
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Following the initial recruitment portal opening, thousands of young Nigerians submitted applications. In late July 2026, the service published the initial list of successful candidates, instructing them to upload medical fitness certificates and accept provisional offers online.
- July 2026: Online medical fitness document verification and provisional offer acceptance completed.
- August 2026: Data harmonization and state-by-state roster planning conducted across regional commands.
- September 1, 2026: Official announcement of screening dates, venue logistics, and document compliance rules.
- September 7–15, 2026: Nationwide physical screening and credential verification in Abuja.
Essential Documentation and Dress Code Requirements
Candidates must report to the Gwagwalada venue strictly on the dates allocated to their respective home states and cadres. Attendance is compulsory, and customs authorities warned that missing the assigned date leads to immediate disqualification.
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Applicants must present original copies and photocopies of key personal records:
- Identification: National Identification Number (NIN) printout and a valid birth certificate or age declaration.
- Educational Qualifications: O’Level certificates, alongside ND, HND, or Degree certificates where applicable.
- Verification Documents: Certificate of State of Origin, NYSC Discharge or Exemption Certificate, and completed Guarantor Forms.
Additionally, candidates must dress in a plain white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Ensuring Transparency in the Final Selection Process
Customs leadership reassured the public that physical screening will remain transparent, competitive, and strictly merit-based. As noted in preliminary reporting by Nairametrics, candidates should rely solely on official customs communication channels to avoid recruitment scams.
After completing physical screening, successful applicants move directly into basic paramilitary training. Through this intake, the Nigeria Customs Service aims to strengthen border security, improve revenue generation, and enforce international trade compliance nationwide.
