The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has rescheduled the Pre-Test for shortlisted Superintendent Cadre applicants, after technical hitches disrupted the initial exercise.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Service said the adjustment became necessary due to high traffic on its recruitment portal, which caused repeated crashes and error messages during the first test on September 22.
To ensure a smoother process, shortlisted candidates have now been divided into four batches — A, B, C, and D. Each applicant must use their National Identification Number (NIN) to confirm their assigned batch, date, and time via the official portal: https://updates.customs.gov.ng.
The NCS stressed that strict adherence to the assigned schedule is compulsory, warning that failure to comply may lead to disqualification.
Background
The Pre-Test was introduced to help candidates familiarise themselves with the online system ahead of the main Computer-Based Test (CBT). Applicants were required to complete login procedures and facial verification before starting.
However, many candidates were unable to access the portal due to technical problems, with several receiving repeated “500 Internal Server Error” notifications. The Service later admitted the difficulties were caused by heavy traffic on the platform.
Instructions for other cadres
The NCS clarified that the Pre-Test is currently only for Superintendent Cadre applicants.
“Inspectorate and Assistant Cadre applicants should NOT log in at this stage. They will be contacted later for their Pre-Test,” the Service said.
It added that the Pre-Test does not affect recruitment outcomes but is designed to help candidates get familiar with the system and assist with proper planning of the exercise.
Candidate guidelines
The NCS reminded applicants to follow all instructions carefully:
• Candidates must sign in and complete facial verification at least 30 minutes before the test.
• Instructions should be read thoroughly during the log-in period.
• At the end of the 30 minutes, candidates must click the START button to begin the Pre-Test.
The Service urged all applicants to comply strictly with the guidelines to avoid disruptions.
