The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, CDCFIB, has released specific dress requirements for candidates shortlisted for the oral interview stage of its ongoing 2024/2025 recruitment exercise.
The Board said the oral interview represents the final stage of the recruitment process and is scheduled to commence on September 7, 2026. It urged all shortlisted applicants to comply strictly with the approved attire, warning that candidates who fail to meet the requirements may be denied entry into the interview venue.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Board’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Okeh Juliet.
According to the statement, the Board decided to provide the clarification after receiving several enquiries from shortlisted candidates seeking information about what they should wear for the oral interview.
CDCFIB Specifies Approved Interview Attire
Under the new clarification, candidates are required to appear in white clothing for the oral interview.
The Board approved a white T-shirt, which may have either short or long sleeves, for candidates attending the exercise. It also stated that white shorts or white long trousers are acceptable as part of the required attire.
For female candidates, the Board provided some flexibility regarding the long-sleeved shirt and long trousers. Both are optional for women, according to the recruitment authority.
The approved dress code was outlined by the Board as part of the measures intended to ensure that shortlisted candidates arrive at interview centres in the prescribed appearance.
“This clarification supersedes the earlier one and becomes necessary following enquiries from candidates on acceptable attire,” the statement said.
The Board added that candidates must also wear white sneakers and white socks when attending the oral interview.
Female applicants who wish to wear headscarves are permitted to do so, although the Board made clear that wearing one is not compulsory.
Failure to Comply Could Deny Candidates Entry
The Board stressed that compliance with the dress code is not merely a recommendation for candidates attending the oral interview.
It warned that applicants who fail to comply with the stated requirements will not be granted access to the interview venue.
“All candidates are advised to strictly adhere to the dress code stated above. Candidates who fail to comply will not be granted access to the interview venue,” the Board said.
The warning places responsibility on shortlisted candidates to prepare appropriately before travelling to their designated interview centres.
The Board also wished all shortlisted applicants success as they proceed to the concluding stage of the recruitment exercise.
Four Federal Security Agencies Involved
The recruitment exercise covers four federal security agencies operating under the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board.
They are the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Federal Fire Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The oral interview is the final phase of the exercise for candidates who have progressed through the earlier stages of the recruitment process.
The latest dress-code clarification is therefore directed specifically at applicants who have been shortlisted for this stage and are expected to appear at the designated interview venues.
Candidates Must Check Shortlisting Status
The Board had earlier provided different dates for applicants to confirm whether they had been shortlisted, depending on the qualifications used during their applications.
Applicants in the graduate category were directed to check their shortlisting status through the official recruitment portal between August 31 and September 2, 2026.
Candidates who applied using NCE, OND or SSCE qualifications were scheduled to check their status from September 7 to 9.
Those who successfully make the shortlist are expected to complete additional arrangements ahead of the oral interview.
According to the recruitment guidelines, shortlisted candidates are to select an interview venue that is closest to them and choose a suitable date and time for the exercise.
After completing the required selections, candidates are expected to print their invitation letters, which will serve as part of the documentation needed for the interview process.
Board Warns Against Recruitment Fraud
Beyond the interview requirements, the CDCFIB also reiterated its warning concerning fraudulent activities surrounding the recruitment exercise.
The Board said the recruitment process is completely free and urged applicants not to give money to individuals who claim they can secure employment or influence the outcome of the exercise.
Candidates were therefore advised to remain cautious of anyone demanding payment in exchange for recruitment opportunities.
The warning is particularly relevant as applicants progress toward the final stage, when shortlisted candidates may be targeted by individuals attempting to exploit uncertainty about interview procedures or employment opportunities.
The Board’s latest statement makes clear that shortlisted candidates are expected to follow the prescribed procedures, including the approved dress code, venue selection and invitation-letter requirements.
With the oral interview scheduled to begin on September 7, 2026, candidates who have reached the final phase are expected to make the necessary preparations and ensure they meet all stated conditions before appearing at their assigned venues.
For the interview itself, the key requirement issued by the Board is straightforward: candidates must attend in the prescribed white attire, including a white T-shirt, white shorts or trousers, white sneakers and white socks, while female applicants may wear headscarves if they choose.
The Board maintained that strict compliance with the requirements will be necessary for candidates to gain access to the interview venues as the recruitment exercise moves into its final phase.
CDCFIB Recruitment: Board Issues Dress Code for September Oral Interview
