The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) plays a crucial role in regulating the nation’s trade and safeguarding its borders. The Assistant Cadre within the NCS is an essential entry point for individuals aspiring to build a career in customs operations. This cadre includes several positions under both the Support Staff and General Duty categories, with two specific levels: CONSOL 03 and CONSOL 04. Applicants must meet the general and specific requirements outlined below to qualify for these positions.

General Requirements

All candidates applying for the Assistant Cadre must satisfy the following general conditions:

1. Nigerian Citizenship: Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth or descent. This requirement ensures that candidates have a strong connection to the nation and a vested interest in its security and prosperity.
2. Age: Candidates must be between 18 and 25 years old. This age range is intended to ensure that applicants are at an optimal stage for the physically and mentally demanding nature of the role.
3. Height Requirements:

• Males: A minimum height of 1.7 meters.
• Females: A minimum height of 1.64 meters.

1. Chest Measurement (for Males): Male applicants must have a fully expanded chest measurement of not less than 0.87 meters. This requirement is particularly important for roles that may involve physical activity.
2. Medical Fitness: Candidates must be certified by a Government Medical Officer to be physically and mentally fit for service. This certification ensures that recruits can handle the rigorous demands of the job.
3. Absence of Disability: Applicants must not be suffering from any form of physical or mental disability, ensuring that all personnel can perform their duties without limitations.
4. Financial Standing: Candidates must be free from any form of financial embarrassment. This requirement emphasizes the importance of integrity and responsibility in the role.
5. Good Character: Applicants must possess good character and must not have been found guilty of any criminal offense. A clean criminal record is essential to maintain the trust and integrity of the Nigeria Customs Service.
6. State of Origin Certificate: Candidates must present a certificate of state of origin, signed by the Chairman or Secretary of their Local Government. Certificates endorsed by Liaison Officers are not accepted, ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of the document.

Specific Requirements for Customs Assistant (Support Staff) – CONSOL 04

Candidates applying for the Customs Assistant (Support Staff) role at CONSOL 04 must meet the following specific educational and professional qualifications:

• Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 25 years old.
• Educational Qualifications: Candidates must possess one of the following:
• First School Leaving Certificate
• Junior Secondary School Certificate
• Senior Secondary School Certificate, or its equivalent
• Appropriate Trade Test certificates.

Candidates should have qualifications in any of the following fields:

• Accounts
• Audit
• Band
• Building
• Camera Handling/Photography
• Clerical Assistance
• Communication
• Driving
• Electrical
• Health Assistance
• Junior Community Health Assistance
• Marine
• Mechanical
• Medical Laboratory Assistance
• Sports
• Stores
• Tailoring

Specific Requirements for Customs Assistant (General Duty) – CONSOL 04

For the role of Customs Assistant (General Duty) at CONSOL 04, candidates must meet the following educational requirements:

• Educational Qualifications: Applicants must possess one of the following:
• SSCE/NECO or GCE with credits in not less than 3 subjects including English and Mathematics obtained at one sitting, and passes in at least two other subjects.
• GCE Ordinary Level with passes in four subjects including English and Mathematics obtained at one sitting, or passes in five or more subjects including English and Mathematics obtained at not more than two sittings.

Specific Requirements for Customs Assistant (Support Staff) – CONSOL 03

Candidates applying for the Customs Assistant (Support Staff) role at CONSOL 03 must meet the following specific educational and professional qualifications:

• Educational Qualifications: Candidates must possess one of the following:
• First School Leaving Certificate
• Junior Secondary School Certificate, or its equivalent
• Appropriate Trade Test certificates.

As with CONSOL 04, candidates should have qualifications in any of the following fields:

• Accounts
• Audit
• Band
• Building
• Camera Handling/Photography
• Clerical Assistance
• Communication
• Driving
• Electrical
• Health Assistance
• Junior Community Health Assistance
• Marine
• Mechanical
• Medical Laboratory Assistance
• Sports
• Stores
• Tailoring

Specific Requirements for Customs Assistant (General Duty) – CONSOL 03

For the Customs Assistant (General Duty) role at CONSOL 03, candidates must meet the following educational requirements:

• Educational Qualifications: Applicants must possess one of the following:
• Evidence of full course in Government-approved S.75 or Junior Secondary School Certificate (JSSC)
• Trade Test certificate, where relevant.

Conclusion

The Assistant Cadre in the Nigeria Customs Service offers an opportunity for young Nigerians to begin a career in customs and border protection. Whether in the Support Staff or General Duty categories and at either the CONSOL 03 or CONSOL 04 levels, candidates must meet specific educational and character requirements. These positions require a combination of basic education, trade skills, physical fitness, and moral integrity. Successful applicants will join a dedicated team committed to the security and economic well-being of Nigeria.