The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially opened applications for the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) recruitment exercise, with vacancies across the Superintendent, Inspectorate, and Assistant cadres. According to the Federal Character Commission, which confirmed the exercise on Wednesday via its official X account, the application window opened on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, and will close on Monday, August 10, 2026.
Recruitment Timeline and Process
Shortlisting of successful candidates is scheduled for August 13, 2026, followed by computer-based tests (CBT) and interviews on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The recruitment is conducted under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, and applications must be submitted exclusively through the official NAQS recruitment portal at recruitment.naqs.gov.ng.
Available Positions by Cadre
Under the Superintendent Cadre, the agency is recruiting Chief Superintendents of Quarantine Care (Veterinary Doctors), Deputy Superintendents of Quarantine, and Assistant Superintendents of Quarantine II. The Inspectorate Cadre has openings for Inspector of Quarantine I, II, and III, while the Assistant Cadre covers Quarantine Assistant I, II, and III.
Educational Requirements by Cadre
Chief Superintendent applicants must hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree alongside a valid National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge or exemption certificate. Deputy Superintendent candidates need a law degree or a master’s in a relevant discipline, plus the same NYSC documentation. Those applying for the Assistant Superintendent role must have at least a first degree from a recognised institution. Inspectorate Cadre applicants are required to possess either an Ordinary National Diploma or a Nigeria Certificate in Education. Entry-level Assistant Cadre roles require a minimum of five SSCE, NECO, or GCE Ordinary Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings.
Physical and General Requirements
All applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth, hold a National Identification Number, and be medically fit, supported by a fitness certificate from a government hospital. Applicants must also pass a drug test, demonstrate good character with no criminal record, and have no affiliation with any secret cult or society. Male applicants must be at least 1.65 metres tall with a minimum chest measurement of 0.87 metres, while female applicants must stand at least 1.55 metres tall. The agency advised that persons with severe speech or hearing impairment, total blindness, obesity, or limb deformities should not apply, citing the physical demands of the role. Pregnant women were similarly advised against applying.
Additional Applicant Criteria
- Be Nigerian by birth.
- Possess a National Identification Number (NIN).
- Not belong to any secret cult or society.
- Be free from financial embarrassment.
- Be computer literate.
- Be medically fit and present a certificate of fitness from a government hospital.
- Pass a drug test.
- Be of good character with no criminal conviction.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official NAQS recruitment portal at recruitment.naqs.gov.ng. Prospective applicants are required to create an account, select their preferred cadre and position, fill in personal and educational details, upload relevant credentials, and submit the completed form before the deadline. The agency stressed that no fees are attached to the process and warned the public against paying any individual or group in exchange for employment. Applications submitted after August 10 or those that do not follow the stated procedure will not be considered.
Important Reminders
The Federal Character Commission also recently warned Nigerians about seven common mistakes that could hurt their chances of landing legitimate government jobs, urging applicants to use only official channels and remain vigilant against fraudulent recruitment schemes. The full information concerning the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service's 2026 recruitment can be viewed on the commission's official platforms.
