The Nigeria Customs Service has opened a review of complaints by applicants screened out of its recruitment exercise despite appearing on the shortlist.

Comptroller-general Bashir Adeniyi ordered the review after meeting with some affected applicants, according to a statement on Monday by the spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada.

The candidates were prevented from proceeding to the training college after screening.

The NCS said the review would allow applicants to challenge their exclusion and have their complaints examined individually.

“To provide an avenue for addressing genuine concerns, the service thereby urges all candidates who feel aggrieved by the outcome of the screening exercise to formally forward their details and complaints to helpdesk@customs.gov.ng,” the statement said.

Applicants were asked to provide accurate information to help examine their cases. Those seeking reconsideration will undergo fresh screening.

According to the NCS, screening identified issues involving substance abuse, physical fitness, medical records, age and submitted documents among 397 applicants. It also said some candidates were rejected because of irregularities in their selection process.

The statement did not provide a breakdown of the findings or explain the selection irregularities.

Customs said inclusion on the final shortlist did not automatically guarantee enlistment, as candidates must still pass document checks, physical assessments, medical examinations, age verification and drug screening.

“The review of complaints will not constitute a waiver of established standards or an automatic guarantee of admission into training,” it said.

The NCS added that applicants would be referred for legal action where investigations established certificate fraud or other criminal conduct.

The recruitment process had earlier moved to physical screening and documentation at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

In a notice issued on September 1, the agency directed shortlisted applicants to present their original credentials, including educational certificates, birth certificates or declarations of age, and certificates of state of origin. It said further instructions would follow successful completion of that stage.

It did not mention a deadline for submitting complaints or when the review would be completed.