Northern Youth Assembly Seeks Independent Review Of Customs Recruitment

The Northern Youth Assembly (NYA) has called for an independent review of the recently concluded Nigeria Customs Service recruitment exercise, citing complaints over what it described as an imbalance in the regional distribution of successful candidates.

In a statement issued and signed by its National Secretary, Abdulhafiz Garba, the group said the review was necessary to ensure fairness, transparency and compliance with the Federal Character Principle enshrined in the Constitution.

According to the assembly, it received complaints from unsuccessful applicants and other concerned Nigerians questioning whether the recruitment exercise reflected equitable representation across states and geopolitical zones.

The group maintained that recruitment into federal agencies should reflect Nigeria’s diversity and guarantee equal opportunities for qualified citizens regardless of ethnicity, religion, state or region.

“Our concern is not driven by regional sentiment or political interest. It is informed by the need to preserve public confidence in our national institutions. Public institutions must not only be fair but must also be seen to be fair,” the statement said.

The NYA urged the Federal Character Commission to carry out an independent assessment of the recruitment process to determine whether constitutional provisions on equitable representation were fully observed.

It said that if any imbalance is established, appropriate corrective measures should be taken to restore public confidence in the exercise.

The assembly also called on the Nigeria Customs Service to enhance transparency by publishing the distribution of successful candidates across states and geopolitical zones, saying greater openness would help address public concerns and strengthen confidence in the recruitment process.

While reaffirming its commitment to peace, justice and national unity, the group urged affected applicants and members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding and pursue any grievances through legitimate channels.

It added that Nigeria’s growth and stability depend on equal access to opportunities in the public service, stressing that every qualified citizen should have a fair opportunity to contribute to national development without discrimination.