By Abigail David

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has released the final list of successful candidates for its 2024/2025 recruitment exercise, selecting 3,852 applicants from a total of 573,680 applications.

Announcing the results at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi described the recruitment as one of the most competitive in the agency’s history, with only 0.67 per cent of applicants securing employment.

The successful candidates comprise 1,275 officers for the Superintendent Cadre, 367 for the Inspectorate Cadre and 2,210 for the Customs Assistant Cadre.

Adeniyi apologised for the delay in concluding the exercise, explaining that the recruitment, which began in December 2024, required extensive verification due to the unprecedented number of applications and multiple stages of screening.

According to him, applicants underwent application screening, computer-based examinations and identity verification before the final list was compiled. Successful candidates will now proceed to physical and medical examinations before final approval by the Customs Board.

The Comptroller-General noted that the Inspectorate Cadre was the most competitive category, with 128,604 applications for just 367 positions. Overall, only one applicant was selected for every 148 applications received.

He encouraged unsuccessful applicants not to lose hope, stressing that many met the requirements but could not be accommodated because of the limited vacancies. He also assured them that future recruitment opportunities would be announced.

Adeniyi said the recruitment complied with the Federal Character principle, with all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory represented in the final list. Women accounted for 839 successful candidates, representing 21.8 per cent of the total intake.

He added that the new recruits, with a median age of 26, are expected to support the Service’s transition to a technology-driven customs administration focused on automation, intelligence-led operations and improved trade facilitation.

The Customs boss also warned applicants against fraudsters, reiterating that recruitment into the Service is free and that anyone demanding payment in exchange for employment should be reported.

By Abigail David

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration is considering restricting the operations of commercial motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Keke Napep) in parts of Abuja city centre as part of efforts to address security concerns.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike disclosed this during his monthly media briefing on Tuesday, stating that the proposal followed recommendations from the FCT Security Council after intelligence reports linked the use of motorcycles to certain criminal activities.

According to the minister, he has approved additional security logistics and directed security agencies to identify areas within the city where the operations of commercial motorcycles and tricycles may be restricted.

Wike said a total ban across the Federal Capital Territory is not being considered because of Abuja’s size and the transportation needs of residents. However, he noted that restrictions may be necessary in specific parts of the city.

He added that security agencies are currently working on the proposed implementation framework.

The minister also addressed the recurring presence of street beggars in the nation’s capital, saying previous efforts to relocate them have produced only temporary results, as many eventually return.

According to Wike, the FCT Administration cannot sustainably provide long-term accommodation and welfare for all displaced persons arriving from neighbouring states, including Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and Kaduna.

He explained that Abuja’s central location and its proximity to surrounding states continue to make the challenge more complex, while assuring residents that the administration would continue working to improve security and public order.

By Israel Adamu, Jos

The Federal Government has commenced plans to develop a multipurpose dam in Gile community, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State, as part of efforts to improve access to potable water, support agriculture and expand rural infrastructure.

The proposed project was announced during an inspection visit to the site by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, alongside the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and the Plateau State Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Bashir Lawandi Datti.

Residents told the delegation that Gile community has faced longstanding challenges, including limited access to potable water, healthcare, electricity, roads and schools.

Speaking during the visit, Yilwatda said the project would provide potable water through a reticulation network serving Gile and neighbouring communities while supporting irrigation, livestock production and job creation.

Utsev said the visit marked the preliminary assessment stage, with technical teams expected to carry out detailed feasibility studies and engineering designs before construction begins. He added that the dam is planned to support irrigation, domestic water supply, livestock production, hydropower generation and flood control.The minister also disclosed that the Mangu Dam project in Plateau State is about 90 per cent complete.

Commissioner Datti reaffirmed the Plateau State Government’s commitment to supporting the project, while community leaders and residents expressed optimism that it would improve livelihoods, agricultural productivity and rural development.