By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has directed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to suspend its ongoing recruitment training in Abuja, pending an investigation into alleged irregularities. The commission issued the directive after reports emerged that hundreds of successful candidates missed the training despite completing the required screening, documentation and medical examinations.
FCC Investigates Alleged Customs Recruitment Irregularities
The commission’s directive follows complaints about the exclusion of candidates from the ongoing training exercise.
According to the reports, hundreds of applicants appeared on the published final recruitment list. However, they did not receive invitations to participate in the training.
The affected candidates had reportedly completed all required recruitment procedures. These included screening, documentation and medical examinations.
Consequently, the commission wants the Nigeria Customs Service to suspend the exercise until investigators establish what happened.
FCC Demands Cooperation from Customs
Speaking to journalists at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Abdulwasiu Bawa-Allah announced the directive.
Bawa-Allah chairs the commission’s Committee on Financial Services. He urged the Nigeria Customs Service to cooperate fully with the committee during the investigation.
He also called on the service to cooperate with any investigation the commission lawfully initiates.
Commission Vows to Enforce Transparency
Bawa-Allah stressed that the commission would use its constitutional powers to address the alleged recruitment irregularities.
He said these powers include investigation, compliance monitoring and enforcement. The commission aims to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the recruitment process.
Meanwhile, the investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the exclusion of candidates whose names appeared on the final list.
The commission’s intervention highlights the importance of fairness and accountability in public sector recruitment.
The Nigeria Customs Service’s response and the outcome of the investigation will determine the next steps in the recruitment process.
