Nigeria Customs Service Recruitment 2025
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recently concluded its 2024/2025 recruitment exercise, which ran from December 27, 2024, to January 2, 2025.
After completing the application phase, candidates will be shortlisted for the Aptitude test, usually CBT. This article provides an updated overview of the upcoming CBT, offers preparation tips, and addresses frequently asked questions to assist candidates in their journey.
Understanding the Nigeria Customs Service CBT
The CBT is a pivotal component of the Nigeria Customs Service recruitment process, designed to evaluate candidates’ knowledge, aptitude, and suitability for various roles within the service. The test typically encompasses the following areas:
- General Knowledge: Questions related to current affairs, history, and the functions of the Nigeria Customs Service.
- English Language: Assessments of grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary.
- Mathematics: Basic arithmetic, percentages, ratios, and problem-solving questions.
Preparation Tips for the NCS CBT
To enhance your chances of success, consider the following strategies:
Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Format: Understanding the structure of the test is crucial. Practice with sample questions to gain insight into the questions that may be asked.
Stay Updated on Current Affairs: Regularly read newspapers, watch news programs, and follow reputable online news sources to stay informed about national and international events, especially those related to trade and customs.
Practice Past Questions: Reviewing previous CBT questions can provide a sense of the exam’s difficulty level and key focus areas. Resources such as the Nigeria Customs Service Past Questions and Answers are available for this purpose.
Enhance Time Management Skills
Maintain Physical and Mental Well-being: Ensure you get adequate rest before the test day, eat healthily, and engage in activities that reduce stress to keep your mind sharp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How will I know if I’m shortlisted for the CBT?
Shortlisted candidates will receive notifications via email or SMS. Additionally, you can check your application status on the official NCS recruitment portal.
2. What should I bring to the CBT venue?
Candidates are expected to bring the following to the screening venues:
- Passport Photographs.
- Acknowledgment Slip: Downloadable from the recruitment portal.
- Valid Identification: Such as National ID, Voter’s Card, or Driver’s License.
3. What happens after the Nigeria Customs Service CBT?
Successful candidates will proceed to the next stages, which may include physical screening, medical examinations, and interviews. Details will be communicated to those who qualify.
4. Is there a negative marking in the Nigeria Customs Service CBT?
The NCS has not explicitly stated whether negative marking applies. It is advisable to answer questions carefully and avoid random guessing.
5. How long does the Nigeria Customs Service CBT last?
The duration of the Nigeria Customs Service CBT varies depending on the number of questions but typically ranges between 1 to 2 hours.
6. Is the Nigeria Customs Service CBT conducted nationwide?
Yes, the CBT is conducted across various geopolitical zones with designated centers:
- South West: Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos.
- South East/South-South: Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
- North West: Customs Training College, Goron Dutse, Kano.
- North East: Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.
- North Central: Customs Command & Staff College, Gwagwalada.
Sample Nigeria Customs Service General Knowledge Past Questions and Answers
Instructions:
Each question has four options (A, B, C, D). Select the most appropriate answer.
- When was the Nigeria Customs Service established?
A. 1952
B. 1891
C. 1960
D. 1975
Answer: B - What is the primary function of the Nigeria Customs Service?
A. Tax collection
B. Border patrol
C. Revenue collection and trade facilitation
D. Military defense
Answer: C - What is the motto of the Nigeria Customs Service?
A. Justice and Equity
B. Customs and Duties
C. Serving the Nation with Pride
D. Integrity, Service, and Justice
Answer: D - Which ministry oversees the Nigeria Customs Service?
A. Ministry of Defense
B. Ministry of Finance
C. Ministry of Trade and Investment
D. Ministry of Internal Affairs
Answer: B - The Nigeria Customs Service is responsible for which of the following?
A. Immigration control
B. Collection of import and export duties
C. Issuing passports
D. Road traffic control
Answer: B - What is the major source of revenue for the Nigeria Customs Service?
A. Oil exports
B. Import and export duties
C. Tourism
D. Agriculture
Answer: B - Which document is required for the clearance of imported goods?
A. Passport
B. Bill of Lading
C. Birth Certificate
D. Certificate of Occupancy
Answer: B - Which of the following items is prohibited for importation into Nigeria?
A. Textiles
B. Rice
C. Weapons
D. Sugar
Answer: C - In which year was the Nigeria Customs Act last amended?
A. 2004
B. 2020
C. 2015
D. 2023
Answer: D - What does “Excise Duty” refer to?
A. Tax on imported goods
B. Tax on exported goods
C. Tax on locally manufactured goods
D. Tax on agricultural products
Answer: C - Where is the headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service located?
A. Lagos
B. Abuja
C. Kaduna
D. Port Harcourt
Answer: B - Which of these is a goal of customs tariff policies?
A. Encourage smuggling
B. Generate employment
C. Protect local industries
D. Increase inflation
Answer: C - What does ETLS stand for in relation to the Nigeria Customs Service?
A. Economic Trade and Logistics Service
B. ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme
C. Export Trade Logistics System
D. European Trade Linkage System
Answer: B - What is the penalty for smuggling prohibited items under Nigerian law?
A. Fine only
B. Imprisonment or fine, or both
C. Confiscation of goods
D. Deportation
Answer: B - What is the Nigeria Customs Service’s role in border security?
A. Inspecting agricultural products
B. Preventing illegal importation/exportation of goods
C. Issuing driver’s licenses
D. Maintaining law and order
Answer: B - Which international organization works closely with customs services worldwide?
A. World Trade Organization (WTO)
B. United Nations (UN)
C. World Customs Organization (WCO)
D. African Union (AU)
Answer: C - What is a manifest in customs operations?
A. A ship’s certificate
B. A list of cargo or goods
C. A type of import duty
D. A customs tax receipt
Answer: B - Which of the following is NOT an arm of the Nigeria Customs Service?
A. Preventive Unit
B. Excise Unit
C. Freight Department
D. Investigation Unit
Answer: C - What is a Free Trade Zone (FTZ)?
A. A tax-free residential area
B. An area where goods can be imported/exported without tariffs
C. A restricted military zone
D. A customs checkpoint
Answer: B - Which agency collaborates with the Nigeria Customs Service to combat smuggling?
A. Nigerian Immigration Service
B. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
C. Federal Road Safety Corps
D. Central Bank of Nigeria
Answer: B - What does ASYCUDA stand for?
A. Automated System for Customs Data
B. African System for Customs Duties
C. Automated System for Cargo Dispatch
D. Advanced System for Customs Declaration
Answer: A - What is the Harmonized System (HS) Code used for?
A. Identification of smuggling routes
B. Classification of goods
C. Setting trade agreements
D. Currency conversion
Answer: B - What is the tenure of the Comptroller-General of Customs?
A. 4 years
B. 6 years
C. 8 years
D. Not fixed
Answer: D - Which act governs the Nigeria Customs Service?
A. Nigeria Customs and Excise Management Act
B. Import Duties Act
C. Export-Import Act
D. Federal Revenue Act
Answer: A - What is the legal age for employment in the Nigeria Customs Service?
A. 16 years
B. 18 years
C. 21 years
D. 25 years
Answer: B - What is a Bill of Entry?
A. A receipt for duty payment
B. A declaration form for imported goods
C. A customs tax invoice
D. A shipping license
Answer: B - Which Nigerian port handles the highest volume of goods?
A. Onne Port
B. Apapa Port
C. Tincan Island Port
D. Warri Port
Answer: B - What is the penalty for forging customs documents?
A. Suspension of trading license
B. Fine only
C. Imprisonment or fine, or both
D. Goods confiscation
Answer: C - Which type of goods are referred to as “Contraband”?
A. Goods with high tariffs
B. Prohibited goods
C. Duty-free goods
D. Perishable goods
Answer: B - What does “Green Channel” mean in customs?
A. Fast-track clearance for diplomats
B. Clearance for passengers with nothing to declare
C. Clearance for agricultural products
D. Clearance for oil products
Answer: B - Which country borders Nigeria to the east?
A. Benin
B. Cameroon
C. Chad
D. Niger
Answer: B - What is the Nigeria Customs Service salary grade for fresh recruits?
A. Level 6
B. Level 8
C. Level 4
D. Level 10
Answer: C - Which department handles investigations within the Nigeria Customs Service?
A. Intelligence Unit
B. Enforcement Unit
C. Investigation and Compliance Unit
D. Training Unit
Answer: C - How many geopolitical zones are in Nigeria?
A. 4
B. 6
C. 7
D. 8
Answer: B - What does FOB mean in shipping terms?
A. Freight on Board
B. Free on Board
C. Full Order Bill
D. Free Order Basis
Answer: B - What is the primary goal of customs valuation?
A. Prevent under-invoicing
B. Maximize revenue
C. Ensure fairness and compliance
D. Discourage imports
Answer: C - Which Nigerian border is most prone to smuggling?
A. Seme Border
B. Jibia Border
C. Maigatari Border
D. Mfum Border
Answer: A - What does CIF stand for in trade terms?
A. Cost, Insurance, Freight
B. Customs, Insurance, Freight
C. Cost, Import, Freight
D. Customs, Import, Fee
Answer: A - What is the Nigeria Customs Service slogan?
A. Proudly Serving Nigeria
B. Service to the Nation
C. Customs is Justice
D. None of the Above
Answer: D