{
  "id": 16297874,
  "title": "Customs Speaks On Recruitment List Amid Controversy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/customs-speaks-on-recruitment-list-amid-controversy",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-24T06:20:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Trust",
    "slug": "daily-trust",
    "url": "https://dailytrust.com/customs-speaks-on-recruitment-list-amid-controversy/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has come under fire over its 2024/2025 recruitment exercise. Accusations of irregularities and unfair treatment have surfaced, following the exclusion of some applicants from the list of successful candidates. NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, addressed the controversy in an interview with BBC Hausa, explaining that merely appearing on the list does not guarantee employment. He emphasized that candidates must undergo additional screening processes, which includes drug tests, age verification, and medical assessments. Those failing to meet the requirements would be disqualified. Maiwada assured applicants that their complaints would be investigated and that any erroneous disqualifications would be rectified promptly. The controversy intensified when it was revealed that some candidates had been replaced by individuals who did not participate in the recruitment exercise. The NCS acknowledged receiving complaints from these affected applicants, who were found to have violated age, physical fitness, substance abuse, or documentation requirements. Some had medical conditions such as Hepatitis B and high blood pressure, while others allegedly submitted fake credentials or exceeded the stipulated age limit. Despite these challenges, the NCS maintains that the recruitment exercise aimed to be fair and transparent, with successful candidates being allocated equally across the 36 states of the federation. However, the Federal Character Commission (FCC) has called for the suspension of the recruitment process, citing violations of federal character principles. The NCS, however, defended the process, insisting that candidates must meet all stipulated conditions before employment.",
  "summary": "The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has accused some applicants protesting their exclusion from its 2024/2025 recruitment exercise of attempting to secure employment through unofficial channels. The accusation is coming amid the allegations of irregularities that have continued to trail the selection process. The service, however, has promised to reinstate applicants found to have been wrongly […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}