Customs set for recruitment exercise

Dele Aderibigbe, Lagos - 31.03.2008

The long-awaited massive recruitment by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) may have finally commenced with the recruitment of marine officers, after a ban placed in 1993.

The recruitment, which was learnt would be done in phases, would be done mostly via the internet (on-line), in a bid to ensure integrity, apart from ensuring that candidates realise on time that premium would be placed on being computer literate.

It was learnt that the first phase which is due to start immediately would be the engagement of young Nigerian professionals to man the marine unit in a bid to re-establish a strong presence along the creeks, inland waterways and the high seas to checkmate the rising waves of petroleum smuggling.

The groups would also be involved in the maintenance of the growing fleet of Customs patrol boats and Seafarers, eight of which were just acquired.

Confirming this to the Nigerian Tribune in Lagos, Customs spokesman, Mr. Wale Adeniyi, said the first phase would also involve the recruitment of drivers for Customs enforcement operations nationwide.