The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has distanced itself from a fraudulent recruitment shortlist currently circulating across various social media platforms, describing it as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the NCS issued a firm rebuttal on Sunday, July 6, 2025, following the viral spread of a fake press release alleging that a Computer-Based Test (CBT) for customs recruitment would be held later this month.
In an official statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS labeled the information as entirely false and riddled with irregularities.
According to Maiwada, the fake notice did not originate from the Customs Service and displayed multiple signs of forgery, including poor formatting and an unverified electronic signature that deviated from the agency’s standard communication procedures.
“It is clear that the fake statement contains several discrepancies, particularly in its formatting,” the statement read.
“The e-signature format differs from our official standard, and the recruitment timeline mentioned shows a faulty structure that is not connected to any legitimate process.”
The agency stressed that only information published through its official website, verified social media handles, and nationally recognized newspapers should be trusted by applicants or the general public.
The Customs Service further warned Nigerians not to engage with or circulate unverified recruitment content, emphasizing that the spread of fake information threatens the credibility of legitimate government processes and misleads hopeful job seekers.
Maiwada also revealed that the Service has launched investigations to identify the origin of the fraudulent document and is working with relevant agencies to ensure those behind the act are brought to justice.
“The Service is taking steps to trace the origin of this false information and will take appropriate action to hold those responsible accountable,” the statement said.
This incident adds to the growing list of cyber scams and disinformation campaigns targeting Nigeria’s civil service recruitment schemes.
In recent years, several fraudulent job racketeering networks have exploited the desperation of unemployed Nigerians by releasing fake shortlists and collecting money under false pretenses.
The NCS reiterated its commitment to transparency, fairness, and integrity in all its recruitment exercises.
It also appreciated members of the public who flagged the fake publication and urged others to continue verifying information before sharing or acting upon it.
“We reaffirm our commitment to protecting the public from misinformation, ensuring all our processes uphold the highest standards of transparency and integrity,” the agency added.
With unemployment still a pressing issue in Nigeria, government institutions remain vulnerable to impersonation and recruitment scams, making public vigilance and prompt clarification more critical than ever.