… Portal Upgrade Delays NSCDC, Immigration Hiring Amid Public Frustration

The Federal Government announced a temporary suspension of recruitment into the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Fire Service, and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on July 17, 2025, as reported by Naija News. The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) cited an overwhelming surge in applications since June 30, necessitating a portal upgrade, with reopening scheduled for July 21.

The decision, the second delay in three weeks, has frustrated thousands of applicants, with many on X expressing anger over the lack of clarity. CDCFIB’s Ja’afaru Jibril urged candidates to rely on official channels, warning against unauthorized sources. The suspension affects millions of jobless youths, with Nigeria’s unemployment rate at 33%, according to recent data.

Opposition figures, including PDP’s Segun Sowunmi, criticized the government’s handling, alleging it reflects poor planning under President Tinubu. APC defenders argued that the upgrade ensures fairness, citing past recruitment scandals. Civil society groups, like the Youth Empowerment Network, demanded transparency in the process, noting that security sector jobs are critical for national stability. The delay has sparked protests in Abuja, with applicants demanding a clear timeline.

Analysts suggest the suspension could dent public trust in Tinubu’s job creation promises, especially in northern states where unemployment fuels insecurity. The issue has dominated national discourse, with stakeholders urging the government to address systemic inefficiencies in public sector hiring.