The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) has postponed the publication of shortlisted candidates for its ongoing 2026 recruitment exercise, which was initially scheduled for release on Thursday, August 13.  

In a public notice signed by the Director of Human Resources, ACG Issaka Ahmed, and posted to its official X handle on Friday, August 14, 2026, the federal agency stated that the postponement was necessary to guarantee a thorough, transparent, and accurate screening process.

Extending an apology to applicants for the delay, the agency requested patience while a revised timetable is finalised: “To ensure a thorough, transparent and accurate process, we are unable to release the list of shortlisted candidates as scheduled… All applicants and the general public are hereby notified that a new date will be communicated in due course through our official communication channels.” 

The postponement also impacts the computer-based tests (CBT) and screening interviews originally slated to begin on Saturday, August 15, with new examination dates to be announced alongside the shortlist.

The delay follows an unprecedented surge in interest for the federal agency’s recruitment drive, which opened on July 28 and closed on August 10. 

According to statistics released by NAQS, the portal recorded 606,928 attempted applications, with 407,659 completed and submitted, while 199,269 applications remained incomplete at the deadline. 

The Assistant Superintendent of Quarantine II cadre (requiring an HND or bachelor’s degree) recorded the highest volume with 290,076 submissions. The Quarantine Assistant II cadre followed with 117,177 applications, while the NCE, OND, and Master’s-degree Superintendent cadres received 79,685, 70,170, and 13,183 applications, respectively.

Source: Punch News