FCC Asks Customs to Suspend Recruitment Training

The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has asked the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to suspend its ongoing recruitment training over alleged breaches of federal character requirements and concerns that some candidates on the published final recruitment list were excluded from the exercise.

The commission’s demands were contained in a statement made available to journalists on Friday, October 23, and signed by Abdulwasiu K. Bawa-Allah, Chairman of the FCC Committee on Financial Services.

The FCC said it was concerned by reports that some candidates who had completed the required screening, documentation and medical processes were not invited for training, while others whose names allegedly did not appear on the published final list received invitations.

The commission also demanded complete recruitment records, evidence of compliance with federal character requirements and written explanations for candidates who were omitted.

According to the FCC, the Customs Service published final recruitment lists for the Superintendent, Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres between July 28 and 30, 2026. Training reportedly began on October 9.

The commission cited reports that more than 500 candidates may have been excluded despite completing the required stages of the recruitment process. It also raised questions about whether a valid certificate of compliance had been obtained before invitations were issued.

The FCC said its oversight responsibilities are supported by the 1999 Constitution and the Federal Character Commission Establishment Act. It argued that recruitment by federal institutions must combine merit with equitable opportunities for qualified Nigerians across states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The commission stressed that its intervention was not a demand to employ unqualified candidates but an effort to ensure transparency, verifiable procedures and fair consideration.

It asked Customs to provide application records, examination results, screening documents, final selections, training invitations and relevant state-of-origin and local government data. It also called for written explanations to affected candidates.

The commission warned that it could invoke its statutory investigative, compliance and enforcement powers if necessary.

The allegations have not been established as findings of wrongdoing against the Customs Service. The service’s response was not available in the report at the time of publication.