The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has formally disowned a recruitment shortlist circulating on social media, describing it as completely unauthorised and fraudulent.
The document claims to present candidates shortlisted for its ongoing recruitment exercise, but according to the agency the list did not originate from any of its official channels.
In a statement released via its verified platforms, the NCS said it “wishes to categorically state” that the publication “did not originate from the Nigeria Customs Service or any of its authorised communication channels.”
What was circulating
The fake document purported to break down the number of shortlisted candidates from each state for the final stage of the recruitment process. It also included a computer-based test (CBT) schedule and other details that the NCS says are inconsistent with its procedures.
On inspection, the NCS noted irregularities in formatting, the electronic signature used, and the timeline provided — which did not match the service’s genuine recruitment schedule.
NCS warning and official channels
The agency urged applicants and the public not to act on, share or rely upon the viral publication. It reiterated that all genuine updates about its recruitment exercise will only be disseminated through:
* Its official website (http://www.customs.gov.ng)
* Verified social media accounts
* Recognised national newspapers and press-releases
The NCS warned that scammers often exploit high-interest processes like recruitment to mislead applicants.
It reminded the public that the Service does not conduct recruitment notifications or short-listing announcements via informal social media posts or private messaging platforms.
The recruitment exercise officially began with an advert in December 2024, and the NCS said it received over 573,000 applications across various cadres (Superintendent, Inspectorate and Customs Assistant).
Following initial screening, the shortlist for the CBT phase comprised fewer than 300,000 applicants.
Given the scale and interest in the exercise, the Service emphasised that any document purporting to pre-announce or detail final short-listing ahead of verified announcements should be treated as suspect.
What this means
* Applicants who believe they are shortlisted via the viral document should hold off until the NCS issues an official communication.
* Posting or acting on fake documents could expose candidates to exploitation, such as demands for payment or submission of personal data.
* The NCS shows its intent to hold accountable those who generate or propagate fraudulent recruitment content, as part of its broader efforts to safeguard its operations and applicants.
The Message
With the NCS publicly rejecting the viral shortlist, the message to hopefuls is clear: only trust recruitment updates from the Service’s official channels.
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The integrity of the recruitment exercise depends on transparency and adherence to protocol, and the agency’s warning underscores the dangers posed by unauthorised publications.
