By Engr. H. F. Dauda MoiSoro

Once again, Nigerians are confronted with an uncomfortable truth — that fairness and federal character have become casualties under the Tinubu administration. The recently released shortlist for the 2025 Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recruitment tells a story of open bias and regional favoritism that mocks the very idea of a united nation.

A total of 1,785 candidates were shortlisted for the Superintendent Cadre’s final stage. But when broken down by state, the numbers speak volumes — and they speak of ethnocentrism.

Regional Breakdown (Selected Highlights)

Zone States (examples) Total Shortlisted % of Total

Southwest (Tinubu’s base) Lagos 207, Ogun 145, Ondo 132, Osun 127, Oyo 108, Ekiti 93 812 ≈45.5%
Northwest Kano 31, Katsina 20, Jigawa 18, Kebbi 13, Sokoto 28, Zamfara 16 126 ≈7%
Northeast Borno 38, Yobe 9, Adamawa 23, Bauchi 21, Gombe 16, Taraba 17 124 ≈7%
North Central Kwara 173, Kogi 78, Niger 25, Nasarawa 28, Benue 20, Plateau 29, FCT 48 401 ≈22.5%
South-South & Southeast Delta 28, Edo 29, Bayelsa 36, Cross River 28, Rivers 27, Enugu 28, Anambra 28, Imo 13, Abia 28, Ebonyi 20, Akwa Ibom 29 322 ≈18%

When you compare this distribution to population or unemployment data, the disparity becomes even more alarming.
Yobe, Jigawa, Taraba, Gombe, and Zamfara combined — all large, youth-dominated states — received fewer slots than Lagos alone.

This is not federal character. It is ethnic capture of opportunity.

What message does this send to millions of unemployed youths across northern and eastern Nigeria? That merit no longer matters? That geography and political loyalty now determine access to national institutions?

The Customs Service is a national agency, funded by all Nigerians. Its recruitment must reflect our diversity — not the narrow interests of a political bloc. The lopsided shortlist is an insult to the principles of equity, justice, and inclusiveness that bind our federation together.

The Federal Character Commission (FCC) and National Assembly Committees on Public Service and Federal Character must urgently demand explanations from the Customs leadership.
Nigerians deserve to know:

1. What criteria were used for shortlisting?
2. Who approved this distribution?
3. How can the process be corrected before final selection?

If left unchecked, such blatant bias will continue to divide Nigerians and breed resentment that no government can manage with propaganda or slogans.

Every federal recruitment under Tinubu’s government must be scrutinized.

The Customs case is not just about numbers — it’s about the soul of Nigeria.
When fairness dies, unity dies with it.