By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has shortlisted 286,697 candidates for its online Computer-Based Test (CBT), moving the nationwide recruitment exercise into a decisive phase.
The exercise, which began with a public notice on December 27, 2024, attracted 573,523 applications for 3,927 vacancies in the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Customs Assistant cadres. This leaves each slot contested by more than 140 applicants.
The CBT will run from September 14 to 21, 2025, and candidates may log in from any location with reliable internet. However, participation is restricted to laptops and desktops with webcams, as mobile devices are not supported.
To guide applicants, the NCS has scheduled a mandatory pre-test two days before the main exam. Separate links will be provided for both sessions, while Superintendent cadre candidates will sit for an additional test in the next phase.
Officials warn that the system is highly sensitive. Movements, background noise, or switching screens could lead to automatic disqualification, while facial recognition will be used at login to confirm identity.
NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada assured that the process remains transparent and merit-based. He cautioned applicants to follow only official communication channels, stressing that recruitment is free and not conducted on social media.
For the thousands still in the running, the online test could determine who secures a place in one of Nigeria’s most sought-after government agencies.
